“Change is not something that we should fear. Rather, it is something that we should welcome. For without change, nothing in this world would ever grow or blossom, and no one in this world would ever move forward to become the person they’re meant to be.”
–B.K.S Iyengar
Aparigraha, non-grasping, non-greed, or non-attachment is the pinnacle of the five self-restraints (yamas), the moral disciplines described in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. Non-attachment applies to self, to material things, to a pose, to a person, to an idea, to an expectation, to anything, and to everything. We humans love to love. We love to think. We love to accomplish. We love our people. We love to attach ourselves to that which brings about comfort and happiness. That which brings about comfort is often not the most fertile ground for change. The exploration of non-attachment asks us to look at the fluidity in things. Imagine that there is a beautiful piece of a river where you love to go sit that you love and appreciate, but that requires a far and tough trek. A little river gnome approaches you and tells you he will give you the greatest gift. He allows you to cut out that piece of river; to take it with you so that you can see it whenever you want. You plant this little piece of river right in your back yard. The river quickly ceases to flow here. Instead it’s stagnate and still. Soon the life once teeming with energy inside the river seems to fade away. So too is everything else in life. It is not that the newness of the river has worn off, but the attachment to it has become too strong. Attachment to it suffocates the potential for evolution and for growth. Instead of holding on to that which is temporary; that which is inherently fluid, appreciate that which is here now, be it a river or a rock. Detach from outcomes; enjoy the process. Instead of attachment to people, love them better. Detach from fear; follow your heart. Non-attachment focuses on the action at hand instead of the result. With change comes growth. Let's let go of attachments and see what comes.
