Brahmacharya simply means, “Right use of energy” or moving toward Brahman meaning “Ultimate Reality” or Divine Creator – we can also think of Brahman as a higher power. In Hindu religion it was about shedding away of all extras and just moving through life with just what you need so that you are able to help others and live in true essence of the self and the world around us.
This might be a wonderful and simple way of living for monks in the Himalayas adding in celibacy and fasting, but in our world today it might be a bit extreme, so we go back to focusing on making sure we are making the “right use of our energy” or focusing on moderation. And even when focused on moderation, we need to be moderate in our moderation or even that can be taken to an extreme.
In our daily life, it comes back to moderation of all things and listening to our internal voice and our body. What works for monks in the mountains, will not work for the mother of three small children working a full time job. While the mother might not be able to spend the day in silent meditation, she can take 3 minutes out of her day, to take a few deep breaths to switch gears from work to picking up her kids so she can be present and calm.
Often we can use outside influences like sex, alcohol, drugs, shopping, and other vices to help us numb pain or find avoidance. But again, we don’t need to make these choices with all or nothing mindset, instead when we come to an opportunity of relaxation or connection, with the mindfulness and intention, we can enjoy that glass of wine with friends after a long week without letting it overwhelm us and instead experience it from a place of pure joy, with no guilt or shame.
Once we find time for ourselves, even small moments it can make a big difference. Making time or scheduling a yoga practice can also help with moderation, and while on the mat focusing on what feels good in your body in the moment, not what it felt like during your last class or what the student next to you is doing.
When diving into the Yamas I keep coming back to the important concept of listening to the Self and moving from a place of kindness for our selves so that we can move in the world in peace, give back to others and be someone that we are proud of.
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