Reflections: A Year without shopping and The Yogic Philosophy That Emerged

In 2018 I found myself in a state of anger, frustration and disgust with the level of acceptance for our disposable consumerism and the disregard for it’s impact on the greater world. By the end of 2018 I was at my boiling point. I could see what was wrong all around me and the frequency of that did not feel helpful. I had to break the spell. The first thought I had was, I no longer want to be the kind of person who sees then walks past garbage at the park. I want to be the kind of person who picks it up without judgement on who may have put it there. In order to achieve this I was going to need a revolution in beliefs and behavior. Thus began 2019, a year I decided not to shop for anything outside of food and household necessities. No clothes, shoes, gem stones, books, bags or accessories of any kind. My revolution was based in the greatest yogic teaching my mother passed down to me, if you don’t like something that is because you don’t like it about yourself. In other words, often times when we witness some behavior in others it is a reflection of how we express that very behavior. I took it as a cue to clean up my vibration. I was no longer going to remain angry about other people, I was going to figure out how to live the solution.

What emerged was a beautiful journey of clearing out old beliefs, ideas of success and physical clutter. I was exploring the concept of enough and what that was for me. I was beginning to get a clear picture of what my ego pulls at and what my soul is seeking. I even dipped a toe into the pool of forgiveness.

Upon reflecting on 2019 this past month I turned back to yogic philosophy and smiled when I realized how these ancient concepts of living emerged. In T.K.V. Desikachar’s book, The Heart of Yoga, he explains that the Yamas and Niyamasa (the first two limbs of the Ashtanga Eight Limb Path mapped out in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras) are not things we can practice directly. Instead they are the results of when we consciously polish the way in which we show up with ourselves, other people and our environment.

The three yamas that really speak to me about are Ahimsa, Brahmacarya and Aparigraha.

Ahimsa: himsa = injustice or cruelty, a = the absence of

Desikachar expands ahimsa to being more then just non-harming in thought, speech and action. Ahimsa is the container for thoughtful consideration in all matters. This eliminates the harm of right and wrong. I was now thoughtfully considering each item I picked up in the store. What part of this item gets thrown away immediately? If I purchase this what kind of environment am I supporting for the people, animals and plants involved in producing it? Ahimsa emerged from my discerning which companies align with thoughtful consideration of their employees and product materials then turning my attention and money their way.

Brahmacarya: car = to move, brahma = truth

This translation of Brahmacarya suggests that it’s meaning is to move towards the truth. Often translated as celibacy or moderation, Desikachar’s explanation offers us a different perspective. Instead of focusing on the pulling back from something this yama becomes more about what we are turning our attention and energy towards. Are we placing our focus on the people, places, internet/streaming content and practices that encourages, guides and supports this quest for truth? For me, this represents a focus on the solution instead of reviewing the problem over and over again. This is how we become the change we want to see in this world. Brahmacarya was present the moment I decided to revolutionize how I myself was consuming. It is the place I continue to come back to, sort of like an anchor to my greater purpose, reminding my to refocus so I don’t wander too far off the path.

Aparigraha: parigraha = to take or seize, a = the absence of

This yama is about the absence of greed. It is about taking only what is yours and only what you need, no more. Desikachar explains that when we take more then what we need the result is exploitation. The realm of consumerism is designed so we are separate from the people, animals and plants that are exploited for the items needed to sustain our modern material lifestyle. Because greed wants what it wants at all costs it easily manipulates access to information and toys with our sensitive human selves struggling with worthiness. Throughout the year I could feel the conditioning of greed tug at me, trying to tell me that I needed a new pair of shoes or jacket when in reality, I have plenty of shoes and jackets. By the end of the year it was obvious to me that letting go of greed allowed me to turn my attention to the people and practices that truly nourish me. It led me to deeper friendships and days filled with more gentleness and appreciation.

Peace,

Irene