Aparigraha and what it can teach us about Social Media

Aparigraha is a Sanskrit word meaning non-grasping or non-hoarding. What we have already is plentiful. It’s a simple, yet powerful concept that can help us live a balanced life.

 

When we practice Aparigraha we practice not being attached to the things we have. And feel content that what we have is enough. Aparigraha lets you live in the moment because you have nothing to hold on to. It allows you to be generous with your time and energy because there will always be more than enough for everyone.

You can practice letting go of the things you say and do on social media. You don’t have to be perfect, and you don’t have to stay on brand all the time. But if you catch yourself saying or doing something that’s not serving the best interests of your real self, then take a breath. And remind yourself of why you’re doing what you’re doing in the first place.

 

Let go of your expectations when it comes to likes, shares, comments, and reactions. Be present, and appreciate what you already have. When attachment to outcomes (waiting for what you want) causes us to miss out on the moment, we might make poor choices. We lose the present moment when we aren’t focused.

 

We all have an image in our minds of how we want to be portrayed on social media. It can be based on an idealized version of ourselves, or it can be an image we’ve created for ourselves using a filter.  We often become attached to this image. It can become so ingrained that we begin to compete with others. We may even start to judge others. But anything we cling onto creates a maintenance problem:  You’re storing energy that could be spent more wisely.

One of the hardest things about getting out of a competitive mindset is making room to see and appreciate yourself in other ways. Let go of the idea that the world has to look and sound perfect. Your content should reflect how you really are, not how you think everyone else should be.

Aparigraha is “non-possession.” It’s a principle that reminds us that everything changes and that everything is impermanent. In its basic interpretation, it means letting go. Not clinging to things or people, but rather let them go as they are.

This practice is called “letting go” because it requires us to let go of the idea that we have direct control over every aspect of life. Instead, it teaches us to accept things as they are, knowing and trusting that they will change.  Aparigraha is part of the Eight Limbs of Yoga and one of the Yamas in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras.