When we go deep into our yoga journey, embodying Svadhyaya, we may encounter aspects of ourselves and our lives that are limiting us.
When we work with our shadows, there are two yogic principles that can be helpful.
Aparigraha is all about non-attachment. And since this is the season of letting go, it seems appropriate to integrate it.
Aparigraha, the yogic principle of non-attachment, invites us to release our grip on what no longer serves us, creating freedom and inner peace. In the depths of autumn, we witness natureās embodiment of aparigraha, with trees shedding their leaves, preparing for rest and renewal. Scorpio season, known for its deep, transformative energy, mirrors this shedding process, urging us to confront our inner shadows and let go of outdated beliefs and attachments. Practicing aparigraha during this season can be a powerful form of shadow work, guiding us to acknowledge what we cling to out of fear or habit, and encouraging us to release it with grace, creating space for deeper self-discovery and growth.
Asteya, the yogic principle of non-stealing, extends beyond the tangible to include taking energy, time, or recognition that isnāt ours. During autumn and Scorpio season, nature itself reminds us of this practice as it shifts into a phase of conservation and introspection. Leaves fall, daylight lessens, and the world seems to draw inward, reflecting the idea of living in alignment with what is truly needed rather than taking more than necessary. This time is ripe for shadow work, where we examine where we may be takingāperhaps draining ourselves or others through patterns of comparison, envy, or scarcity. By embracing asteya, we learn to let go of these shadow aspects, cultivating an appreciation for what we already possess and fostering trust in our own path. In doing so, we not only release what we have taken but honor the abundance within and around us without the need to claim what isn't ours, or what is no longer ours.
Here are 10 journal prompts to guide your exploration of shadow work, aparigraha, and asteya:
