Renunciation & Modern Life
As I settle into my return to Whistler and everyday life I feel the sensation of a sleepy eyes opening after my annual hibernation as well as a motivation to return to community and connection. Slowly adjusting to daily checking of emails and calendar commitments, of planning, organising and juggling. I am giving myself grace in this process as I reflect on what I believe to be a fundamental need for renunciation which has been so withdrawn from the current chaos and business of 21st century life.
And if you are anything like me (self-employed and ADHD - the brain never turns off), you may also share that stepping back and switching off is also a survival mechanism!
The classical Yoga outlined in Patanjali’s 8 limbed path, was a more renunciatory path - most commonly (but not exclusively) practiced by Brahmins and Monks who did not have community duties and responsibilities. They were able to practice in ashrams and spaces away from distraction. There are not many of us who are in a position to practice like this today.
Tantra emerged as a path for spiritual seekers who were living "in the world" with families, jobs and commitments that prevented them from being able to give up everything and head into the mountains. It began to offer a framework for spiritual practice integrated into everyday life, acknowledging that enlightenment wasn't exclusive to renunciates.
However the role of renunciation still has an important place within Tantrik practice. A space to give full attention to practice, so that the threads can continue to weave themselves into daily life, transforming lived experience into wisdom. This is the place, and true definition, of "retreat". Whether a guided experience in a formal setting or taking yourself on a solo vacation or hike, a retreat offers space to be in the silence of your mind with focussed attention and intention. This strategic and conscious stepping away from the constant barrage of external stimuli (that means silencing your phone, ignoring emails, noise and distraction, and intentionally disconnecting from the always-reachable accessibility) allows for recognition of the value of silence, solitude, and inward connection and a chance for lived experience.
In the philosophy of Kashmir Shaivism, this pulsation of outward flowing energy and inward attention is know as Spanda - the pulsation of consciousness.
Unmesha is the outward expression, experience, relationship, responsibilities – the active participation in the dance of life. It is said to be the opening of the eyes of consciousness.
Nimesha, on the other hand, is the inward turning, the withdrawal into the stillness, introspection, contemplation, and connection with our inner being. It is said to be the closing of the eyes of consciousness.
Together, Unmesha & Nimesha create Spanda. We see this through the seasons, the opening of flower petals to the sun, the hibernation of animals and the flow of the tides. We see this in our own circadian and infradian rhythms, our own periods of inspiration and of rest, and we see this our breath. Spanda is the energy of the universe to expand & contract, manifest and withdraw.
So the question then follows, where do you hold space for renunciation in your life? It does not need to be elaborate or long, but it should be quiet, scheduled and intentional. Next time you book a yoga retreat, look beyond daily movement practices and into the deeper intentions of the program and teachers and stay in alignment with your values and your journey.
I look forward to connecting with you all again as the light returns and we approach the emergence of spring.
Nicki is a Hiking Guide, Ayurvedic Pracitioner and Yoga teacher living in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia.
Her programs prioritise playfulness, community, authenticity of teachings, and a deep curiosity for self-discovery, connection with others, and exploration the awe-inspiring landscapes surrounding Whistler to craft transformative nature-immersed experiences.
