We have now arrived at the 5th and final yama:
Aparigraha, or non-possessiveness.
The image of the yamas are spokes on a wheel, rather than steps on a ladder. One yama builds upon the other, and at the same time, you don't necessarily need to begin the practice with the "first" yama: ahimsa.
When we practice aparigraha, we use the skills we've cultivated through bramacharya so that we live satisfied with exactly what we have. Have you ever noticed how much lighter you feel after a big Spring Cleaning?
Keeping only what you need and wanting only what you need
can lead to happiness and a sense of freedom.
Sometimes living more simply is challenging; simplicity can require creativity, time and effort (such as cooking a meal for a friend from scratch, or making your own cruelty-free cleansers). However, simplicity does grow easier over time: as our need to consume lessens, we can recognize the abundance in our lives, and have more time to do what matters.
Looking at our thoughts, speech and action with satya we find that merely obtaining things for ourselves isn't the cause of lasting happiness. Rather, it truly feels good to share what we have with others. This can reach beyond offering material possessions and include letting someone else be in the spotlight or have credit for an idea without feeling jealous.
Just as in our physical asana practice, when working with the 5 yamas it's extremely helpful to have patience. With time, these interlocking spokes begin to unfold and resonate, eventually allowing us to move deeper through the 8 limbed path.
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"In our every deliberation, we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations."
~The Great Law of the Iroqouis
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