Aparigraha

Letting go of hoarded things - with a little help from nature

- Ms. Simone Preuss

Aparigraha or non-hoarding is the first step of Vairagya, which is letting go, detachment, disinterestedness. By letting go of the things we have in excess or that no longer serve us, we practice detaching from material things, meaning that hopefully we will soon be ready to let go of mental and emotional baggage too beliefs and values that no longer ring true, grudges and painful memories that weigh us down, and more.

Of course, intellectually, it is very easy to understand and see the wisdom in letting go of material things, going through our belongings regularly and checking if we still need them. Practically, we are 'too busy' with other things and 'going through our closets' becomes a point that moves further and further down on a growing list of things to do.

This is where nature steps in and gives us a sometimes rude awakening. In my case, I discovered that my flat had been taken over by termites after a prolonged absence. They were everywhere in the living room, the bedroom and even the bathroom, which they seemed to have taken a particular liking to.