Bramacharya: Non-lust

Our focus today was Bramacharya or non-lust, about not giving in to our ego's desires. Bramacharya asks us to cultivate awareness, to seek the truth.

The opposite of bramacharya, or Lust, drops us deep into the bucket of confusion. Instead of feeling aware, we don't feel safe in our own skin, anymore. We begin to compare ourselves to others, which leads to an over/underbalance of ego.

Lust can be in all manners and forms: not just sexual, but emotional lust, or lusting after power, as well. Lust is sneaky: it creeps up on us in the guise of passion, but it's the direct opposite.

Passion inspires. It leads us to create all manner of beautiful things. Lust can only exist in a vacuum that drains all of our energy away.

I have found this week's Yama, or attitude towards others, a particularly interesting one because the overall picture is so far beyond just physical, romantic lust. It really extends to who we are on a core level. If we cultivate passion in our lives, we cultivate joy and awareness and a sense of inner power. This is truly being grounded in who we are. And with this, we become the attractors of other people of like mind. And the process spirals as it continues to extend itself into every aspect of our lives. When we cultivate passion, we feel grounded, safe and inspired, which frees us up to share our energy with others.

How do you remain passionate and not lusting? Do something that you love, at least once a week. It's so important to being truthful to who we are.

Let's stay lifted and rise above the muck of confusion.

Aria

The Eight Limbs of Yoga

The Five Yamas (Attitudes towards others and the world around us)
BRAMACHARYA is #4 of #5.
The Five Niyamas (Attitudes towards ourself)
Asana (Physical Postures)
Pranayama (Breath Exercises)
Prathayara (Withdrawl of the Senses)
Dharana (Concentration)
Dhyana (Meditation)
Samadhi (Enlightenment)