Teaching Aparigraha to Kids: A Practice of Letting Go and Having Enough

In a world full of “more,” teaching children Aparigraha—the yogic principle of non-attachment and non-accumulation—can help them find joy in enough.

Aparigraha invites kids to let go of needing to own, collect, or control. It teaches that our happiness doesn’t depend on more toys, more turns, or even things going our way. Instead, we can feel peace by appreciating what we already have.

Here are a few ways we introduce this concept in a playful, age-appropriate way.

Picture Books That Explore Aparigraha

1. The Greedy Python by Richard Buckley & Eric Carle This rhyming story makes kids laugh—and then reflect! The python eats everything in sight, only to find that too much can leave us with nothing. It’s a lighthearted entry point to talk about when “more” becomes too much.

2. Thankful by Eileen Spinelli A gentle, poetic celebration of everyday gratitude. This book helps kids see how contentment can come from small, meaningful things—and how “enough” looks different for everyone.

3. The Very Greedy Bee by Steve Smallman The greedy bee doesn’t want to share… until he realizes that having it all isn’t as sweet as helping others. A great way to show how holding on too tightly can keep us from connecting with others.

Yoga Poses for Practicing Aparigraha

We use yoga to embody the idea of letting go—of tension, expectations, and control:

• Forward Fold (Uttanasana): Let your head hang heavy like you're releasing worries or wants.

• Warrior II (Virabhadrasana II): Teaches strength and calm presence—we don’t have to chase after what’s not ours.

• Eagle Pose (Garudasana): This pose invites focus and balance, even when we feel tangled up.

• Open-Arm Mountain Pose: A heart-opening gesture of generosity and release.

We often add affirmations to these poses, like: 🗣️ “I am grateful.” 🗣️ “I can let go.” 🗣️ “I have enough.”

Activities to Support Letting Go

Let-It-Go Drawing Invite children to draw or write something they’ve been holding onto—a toy, a worry, or even a big feeling. Then crumple it up, toss it gently, or watch it “float away.” Let them notice how that feels in their body.

Gratitude Collage Using paper, markers, or cut-out images, kids can create a collage of things they already have and love. Focus on feelings, experiences, or people, not just objects.

One-Crayon Challenge Give each child only one crayon or marker to create with. What beautiful things can they make with less? This challenge builds creative confidence and shifts focus from wanting to expressing.

Reflection Prompts

These questions help bring it all together during circle time or calm-down moments:

• What is something you’re ready to let go of?

• How did it feel to create something with less?

• Can we be happy even when we don’t get what we want?

By practicing Aparigraha, we remind kids that they are already whole. They don’t need more to be enough.

In a world that says, “you need more,” we’re helping children say, “I already have what I need.”

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