Sweeping Up the Middle

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Living the Yamas - Week 4
2011 The Year of Need Not Want

Yama #4 Brahmacharya: Celibacy, Moderation in all things

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So right off the bat brahmacharya is intriguing because there is an element of sex to it, or rather no sex to it.  Celibacy. Traditionally a man living a yogic life would have a family, healthy sex life, and career. When he was older would go off becoming a celibate monk channeling that sexual energy into his spiritual liberation. Today there are yogis who take a vow of celibacy for that same reason.

For the rest of us, how does brahmacharya relate to us?  Through moderation.  Finding the middle ground, not digging your heels in nor rushing ahead.  

I've been reading Donna Farhi's book Yoga Mind, Body, & Spirit and in it she has an exploration of finding that middle ground. She says when we come to yoga we're collapsed, we've given into gravity and we're gripping onto the Earth. Then we prop ourselves up in an effort to lighten and all of our muscles tense upwards in an effort to fight gravity. What we're looking for is a balance of that rooted effort and the divine lifting to find that peaceful asana (our place on the Earth).  

In my personal exploration for the 2011 the Year of Need Not Want, I had a purchasing debate with myself last week. I love makeup and have a beautiful collection of brushes some of which I've had a very long time.   I am vigilant about using products that are cruelty-free (ahimsa), however, the majority of these brushes are animal hair and it's been bothering me.

I worked for a major cosmetic company as artist and we were told that the animals were clipped for their hair for the brushes. Hmmm. Not that I don't believe them, but it doesn't sound very friendly.  So, my plan was to replace these brushes of mine with synthetic brushes as they wore out. But they're high quality and haven't been wearing out.

I thought my middle ground was to let these brushes serve their useful life and then move on to non-animal brushes.  I had been collapsing on my cruelty-free principles and propping myself up by not wasting the perfectly good brushes.  I was not at peace.

Yes, I bought new synthetic, cruelty free brushes.

Practicing brahmacharya is about finding balance. Finding balance by living a full life and enjoying all experiences and explorations.

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BONUS READ:
Balancing the heart and genitals @mulabloga Pondering Pelvic Evolution
Who doesn't love a giraffe? @yisforyogini Giraffe Heart
A beautiful balance @yogalifeway Wordless Wednesday
Finding the balance for yourself @yoga_mydrishti Furr

Cruelty Free Brushes:
Garden Botanical

Sephora
Urban Decay

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The 5 Yamas:

1. Ahmisa: doing no harm to any being and ourselves [2/10]
2. Satya: truthfulness [2/17]
3. Asteya: non-stealing [2/24]
4. Brahmacharya: celibacy, moderation [3/3]
5. Aprigraha: non-coveting [3/10]

The 5 Niyamas:

1. Saucha: cleanliness, purity [1/6]
2. Santosha: contentment, finding satisfaction with what you have already [1/13]
3. Tapas*:  austerity, discipline, on going practice [1/20]
4. Svadhyaya*: self study (Who Am I?) and scriptural study [1/27]
5. Ishvarapranidhana*: service and surrender to the Divine [2/3]

* According to the sutra tapas, svadhyaya, and ishvarapranidhana are key components of Kriya Yoga.

In response to Maria's request, on Thursdays I will explore my challenge through all 5 Niyamas.  After the Niyamas I will explore the 5 Yamas week by week.  Stayed Tuned!