Over the past few weeks in classes, I’ve been sharing a simple image that has stayed with many of us - myself included.
There’s an ancient practice of capturing monkeys. A small cage with narrow bars is placed on the ground, and a banana is set inside. The monkey reaches through the bars and grabs the banana - but once its fist is wrapped around it, the hand is too large to pull back out. The cage isn’t locked. Nothing is physically holding the monkey there. Freedom is available the moment it releases the banana… but it won’t let go.
This image beautifully illustrates Aparigraha: the practice of non-clinging.
It feels especially relevant right now as our wintering comes to a close. The quiet season gave us space to reflect. When the pace slows, it becomes easier to see what’s been growing inside us: our habits, familiar patterns, our attachments and expectations, and the identities we’ve been holding onto. Some of it still fits. Some of it doesn’t.
But awareness alone doesn’t create change.
The real practice is willingness.
As spring approaches and we begin planting seeds of intention for this next season of life, we might gently ask:
Where am I still holding onto old bananas?
What am I preventing from arriving by clinging to what’s already here?
What am I gripping out of habit, fear, or the illusion of security?
Aparigraha doesn’t require dramatic release. It doesn’t ask us to pry our fingers open. It invites awareness and curiosity. The courage to soften the grip.
In classes, I’ve watched this metaphor land in such great ways. Students recognizing the “banana” they’ve been clutching. Me recognizing mine. It’s humbling. And quietly empowering.
Because the truth is - nothing may be trapping us at all!