Non-attachment: The Freedom of Letting Go

During her Yoga Teacher Training journey, Hannah uncovered how attachment was limiting her life—and freedom.

In this article, she shares her reflections on the Yama Aparigraha - non-attachment.

Thank you so much for being so open and willing to share your journey Hannah.

Big love, 

Erin Lee
Lead Trainer & Founder
The Mindful Yoga School

A year on from beginning my Yoga Teacher Training, I remain struck by how much the Yama’s (ethical restraints) and Niyama’s (ethical observances) have transformed my life. 

They’re the morals of the Yoga path that I thought I already knew - and lived by. But I now realise my view of them was superficial and too literal e.g. Ahimsa (non-violence) = be vegetarian; Asteya (non-stealing) = don’t steal from shops!

I’ve now come to see that the Yamas are far more complex, interwoven and subtle. While each has a unique role to play, contemplation of the Yama Aparigraha (non-attachment) has been the most impactful on my life.

Aparigraha means letting go of attachments - both tangible like a material possession, or non-tangible like an idea. 

At its core, Aparigraha awakens presence - if one is living in the present moment, they are far less likely to be stuck reliving past experiences or dreaming up possible futures. 

There's a time and place for reflection and planning, but one must find peace with one’s own reality – after all “...life is but a series of present moments played one after the other.” (Iyengar, 2005) 

As someone who has long lived in the future—mapping every possible outcome to avoid making the “wrong” decision—this teaching has been a revelation. Aparigraha has taught me to counter anxious thoughts, loosening my grip on needing to have control over every aspect of my life. 

While discernment is useful, clinging to desired outcomes only breeds restlessness and lack.

Practicing non-attachment has helped me soften my need for control, instead adopting a “what will come, will come” attitude. I’m now more grateful for what I already have, rather than always yearning for the imagined future. 

Struggling with negative body image my whole life, any movement-based practice has been typically fraught with a desire to change my weight and shape, to 'keep up with' prescribed beauty standards. Aparigraha has supported me to realise and release the burden of comparison, with the understanding that my asana practice is primarily for my mental, physical and spiritual health.

Image: Dylan Gillis 

Of course—being a human being—I haven’t banished these thoughts entirely! But by giving thanks ‘here and now body’, I’ve been able to significantly let go of the ‘desired body’ that I held onto for so long.

Striving, gripping, achieving - they’re no longer central to my practice. This is so liberating.

I’m grateful to Yoga and the teachings on non-attachment for showing me how to honour and listen to my body, move at my own pace and show up with presence - as I am in each moment.

This article was written by Yoga Teacher Training 200hr program graduate Hannah Birkett, 2024.