In contemplating these definitions, as well as the catalyst behind these actions (jealousy and desire), I began to categorize them in terms of which ones don’t challenge me, which I’ve already worked on in the past and which are still a challenge. It is the basic, material definitions of asteya that are not challenging. Stealing, […]
I decided to focus on these two areas of asteya that challenge me most, gathering things that I don’t need (non-accumulation) and misappropriation of my time. This brought me to two different hypotheses. First, by being present and considering my buying motives I’ll accumulate fewer things. Second, by training my mind to focus I’ll be […]
On the first day I went to a clothing store to return some clothes and do a little shopping. I bought a few items without much attention to the criteria and when I got home realized I didn’t really need them. Not a great start to non-accumulation. They also didn’t fit. That’s the double whammy. […]
On another day I found that I was very focused on singular tasks at hand following a restless night of both my husband and baby being ill. The desire to take care of them focused my attention. Likewise, the days that I am most busy are the days I seem to manage my time the […]
My first hypothesis about non-accumulation did not turn out to be very accurate. The list of criteria would have been more effective if it just limited purchases to survival needs, giving me less wiggle room to justify things. But the truth is that I live in this material world and spend accordingly. This experiment showed […]
As part of Denver’s Axix Yoga teacher training program, students experiment with the application of one of many yogic prinicples to their daily lives. This student applies the principle Aparigraha (letting go and allowing for change) to her fear of aging. Through the use of mantras and heart-opening asanas (specifically utrasana –or camel) she experiments […]
I truly believe that the universe provides me with what I need when I need it. The self-study I chose to work within focuses on the yama Aparigraha. A fellow classmate had mentioned an example of Aparigraha in a previous class discussion that sounded like a proverbial gong in my head. I fear aging. And […]
I consulted Santosh (Axis Yoga intructor) for a mantra that I could recite twice a day. Once before sandhana and once at the time before I retire for the day. I planned to recite the mantra 108 times. Om Namah Shivaya would be the mantra. During my daily asana practice I incorporated heart opening asanas, […]
Chanting the mantra took a slow but steady start. I have never really liked the sound of my voice so I thought that this part would be challenging. I found over time that I did not hear my voice but only the vibrations of the sounds. I felt light. I normally feel heavy in my […]
An unexpected result began to occur. I stopped spending money as much. I realize that last statement may sound strange. When I typically, shop I pick up the things I think my family needs. In the last few weeks, I have not rationalized needing the things that I thought we needed before. I did not […]