For when we want to “let go” but can’t.

An Aparigraha Meditation

For some life moments, the practice of “letting go” is so freeing and exactly what I need to hear.  But there are other times, especially with bigger or longer hurts, when I just can’t.  And then letting go feels like yet another thing I’m failing at.  Sigh.

The yoga practice of Aparigraha is sometimes translated as “letting go”, but thankfully this isn’t the only translation.  Aparigraha is also “ungripping” or “unattaching”.  If you are feeling something big like a major life moment, a longstanding hurt, a back-of-the-mind fear… try out this meditation.  Its goal is not to let it go, but to simply loosen its grip. 

Sit comfortably and begin to breathe.  Close your eyes and start to scan your body.  Find where you are feeling that emotion.  Maybe it’s in your chest or your belly.  Imagine it.  What does it look like?  Is it liquid, like hot lava?  Is it a tight ball or knot?  

Now imagine your inhaled breath coming up the right side of it.  Exhale, let it slide back down.  Inhale again, but this time your breath comes up the right side of it and then tip over the top just a bit.  Exhale.  Imagine your inhaled breath coming up the left side of it, soft and gentle.  Exhale.  And again, but this time tipping over the top of it. Exhale.  Now imagine your inhaled breath sliding underneath, loosening it from its grip just a bit. Exhale. Breathe and observe for as long as you want. With each breath, it moves around, it shifts. It’s still there, but it’s not attached anymore. 

When you are done, smile. Because there is now space around it. Space that you created for it. Aparigraha.

Until next time,

Laura