The classical interpretation of brahmacharya is celibacy, but this yama can have a broader interpretation which includes preventing the dissipation of one’s energy through the misuse of the senses. In a piece I’ve been reading from in my classes this week, the author says that we can experiment with this interpretation of brahmacharya off our mats any time we find ourselves in a difficult, challenging, stressful situation. When this happens, we can ask ourselves, “Can I let go of my tension and relax into this moment, knowing that the situation does not need my stress to resolve itself?” I thought this was a really good piece of advice that I’m going to try working on. Maybe it will resonate with you too.
