November is often a time for giving thanks, and the 4th Yama, Brahmacharya, encourages us to be grateful for having “just enough,” and to practice “nonexcess.” We live in a world that can rob us of our time, money, and energy while we pursue better and newer and more. Brahmacharya asks us to examine our priorities and to focus on what really matters.

Are we living in communion with God? Are we sacrificing our precious time and energy in pursuit of worldly excess? Do we recognize when we have “just enough” and refrain from overindulgence?

Brahmacharya seems like the perfect Yama to practice in November. Let’s practice nonexcess in our daily lives. Let’s practice gratitude for all that we have rather than focusing on our have-nots. Let’s strive to see the divine in all people and moments. Let’s do more with less.

Show Notes:

Denise's meditation at the end of the episode:

May you rest in the space of ‘good enough.’ You are good. You are enough. You are sufficient in this moment, just as you are. You deserve goodness and kindness and hope and help.” 

‘Head to the floor, I breathe in and out, thankful for my breath and my body and gravity. Earth herself. Through this, I reveal the blessings. There are always some, sometimes many! Each day a new world to make what is possible real and fully embodied. I awaken awareness of my own influence to create kindness, depth, and love in every moment.”  

“Grant me daily the grace of gratitude. To be thankful for all my many gifts, and so be freed from artificial needs, that I might lead a joyful, simple life.” Edward Hays, OSB

The Yamas & Niyamas: Exploring Yoga’s Ethical Practice by Deborah Adele