Tame Our Overindulgences

Everywhere we look, we see the results of living in excess. In a society that glorifies more and more, it becomes challenging to listen to the voice of intuition urging us towards moderation and balance. This Yama, Brahmacharya, can be particularly difficult to work on, and some may even question its importance. Let’s take the example of eating too much – when we overindulge, we feel sluggish and uncomfortable, lacking the motivation to do anything else, except maybe watching television. The same can be said for overdrinking, oversleeping, overworking, and overexerting in any aspect of life – it drains our vital life force, our prana.

As yogis, our aim is to create a vibrant life that leads us towards self-realization and a deeper connection with our highest self, the Divine, or the Universe. Brahmacharya, in its literal sense, means “to walk in the path of the Divine.” It suggests following a conscious path towards self-realization, which demands a significant amount of energy. If we squander our energy on activities that deplete our resources, we may never reach our full potential or glimpse the reality we seek. Instead, by exercising discipline in our daily lives, controlling our urges and senses, we can wisely utilize our resources, finding balance and completeness in all aspects of life, leading to a profound experience of consciousness.

Take small and simple steps:

While the idea of Brahmacharya may appear daunting or even unattainable, we can take small and simple steps to incorporate this principle into our lives, almost instantly enhancing our well-being and actions. A practical way to start is by observing our yoga practice. While on the mat, pay attention to moments when you exert more energy than necessary in a posture. Ask yourself, “What can I release to feel more relaxed in this pose?” Often, we unconsciously hold onto tension, unnecessarily draining our energy.

Reflect on how you use your energy:

Once we integrate this awareness into our yoga practice, we can extend it to our daily lives. Reflect on how you use your energy internally and externally – physically and environmentally. Are you constantly worrying or overthinking? Do you consume excessive food or sleep excessively? Do you leave lights on unnecessarily or subject yourself to constant sensory stimulation? Are you engaging in activities when you know you need rest? None of these actions are inherently harmful, but the key is to honor and embrace what you genuinely need in the present moment to achieve the highest amount of energy and live with happiness, vitality, and consciousness.

It’s not about being ridged:

Incorporating Brahmacharya into our lives is not about depriving ourselves or becoming rigid; it is about finding a sense of balance and harmony. Each step we take towards moderation allows us to align with our inner truth and live authentically. As we cultivate this Yama, we open ourselves to a deeper connection with the Divine and pave the way for a vibrant and conscious existence. Let us embrace Brahmacharya, one mindful step at a time, on our journey towards self-realization and a life filled with purpose and vitality.

Namaste

Paula

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