Reclaiming Life from the Grip of More

Francia Groman
Dec 14, 2025
4 min read

As the holiday season ramps up, the world around us encourages more—more shopping, more stuff, more hustle. But what if true joy comes from less? Choosing less isn’t about deprivation; it’s about making space for what truly matters.

Making Space for What Matters

Recently, I dropped my son off at work—he’s at Vineyard Vines in a busy outlet mall—and was struck by the sheer number of people crowding the stores. Parking lots were overflowing, police were directing traffic, and people were queued in lines just to get into any given store. The chaos was overwhelming! It was a vivid reminder of how much energy we can waste chasing after more, and keeping up with expectations, especially during the holidays. In that moment, I felt even more grateful for choosing a simpler, slower path this time of year.

By intentionally choosing less, we create space for clarity, calm, and genuine connection. Instead of filling our lives with more stuff we don’t need (and often can’t afford), we can focus on what feels nourishing, purposeful, and aligned with our values. When we choose to simplify, we open ourselves up to experience positive shifts, like:

Mental Clarity: A decluttered space often leads to a decluttered mind. When we clear out the excess, we create room for peace, focus, and creativity.
Intentional Living: Intentionally choosing what adds value—whether that’s time with loved ones, meaningful experiences, or moments of stillness.
Gentle Impact: Sometimes, simplifying means making choices that are lighter on the planet and kinder to ourselves and others.

My Holiday Gift: Choosing Presence Over Presents

It's been several years since I decided to opt out of the holidays as they are traditionally celebrated. When my boys were little, it was tough—especially when friends and classmates would ask them what they got for Christmas. I often felt the pressure to keep up with the status quo, even when it didn’t feel right for me, or my family. But as my sons have grown, I’ve realized that what matters most isn’t the pile of gifts, but the memories we create together. Instead of stressing over shopping lists, I choose to focus on quality time—like taking a trip together at a different time of year, planning fun outings, game nights, or preparing delicious meals we can enjoy together. For me, that’s what life—anytime of year—is truly about: simple joys, meaningful connection, and being present with the people we love.

Aparigraha: The Heart of Wanting Less

At the heart of my own shift away from holiday consumerism is the yogic principle of Aparigraha: non-possessiveness, non-hoarding, or non-greed. Aparigraha invites us to release the urge to grasp, collect, or compare, and encourages us to trust that we are enough, just as we are.

The Yoga Sutras tell us that when Aparigraha is practiced consistently, we receive a profound gift: clarity and insight into the true nature of our lives. By releasing attachment, we open ourselves to wisdom, self-understanding, and a sense of lightness that can’t be found in material things.

This yama invites us to release the pressure to accumulate more—whether it’s physical possessions, holiday gifts, or even expectations of ourselves and others. When I see crowded malls and the frenzy of holiday shopping, I’m reminded how easy it is to get swept up in wanting and acquiring. But practicing Aparigraha means gently loosening our grip and asking:

Is this essential to my life, or is it just something I crave?

By embracing Aparigraha, we give ourselves permission to:

Let go of the urge to keep up or compare.
Release what no longer serves us—old habits, clutter, or even outdated traditions.
Focus on experiences, relationships, and acts of kindness that bring genuine joy.

How to Practice—On and Off the Mat

What we are talking about here is more than just a mindset—Simplifying is something we can practice in our daily lives, both on and off the mat. Here are a few simple ways to bring the spirit of minimalism into this season (and beyond):

Gift Experiences, Not Things: Try giving memories—like a yoga class, a walk in nature, or a homemade meal—rather than material gifts.
Nourish Simply: Preparing a colorful, plant-based meal can be an act of self love and compassion—choosing ingredients that are wholesome, seasonal, and kind to the earth and all beings.
Simplify Your Space: Declutter a small area this week and notice how much lighter you feel.
Mindful Movement: Remember, you don’t need fancy props or a perfect setup. Your breath, your body, and your presence are enough.
Compassion in Action: Choose to live with intention and compassion—toward ourselves, each other, and the world around us.

Every Sunday after our Gentle Vinyasa class, we take 10 minutes to explore a different yogic teaching or principle, like Aparigraha, and discuss how it can support us both on and off the mat. If you’re curious to learn more or want to join in, you’re always welcome—find details and sign up for class here.

As you move through this holiday season and into the coming year, notice where you can practice Aparigraha—in your home, your heart, and your daily choices. It’s a powerful way to create space for what truly matters, and to discover the abundance that simplicity brings.

A Gift and an Invitation to Simplify

In the spirit of Aparigraha and as a heartfelt gift this season, I’m offering free access to a selection of my online recorded classes. Whether you’re new to yoga or just need a moment of peace, I hope these classes help you create space for what matters most.

My gift to you this holiday season

Click above to access and enjoy many other free classes. I'd love for you to come practice with me!

This month, I encourage you to journal and reflect:

Where can I create more space in my life, my home, or my heart? How can my daily choices—on and off the mat—reflect my values of simplicity and compassion?

I’m deeply grateful for this community and for the opportunity to share this journey with you. If you’d like to experience more presence and peace, consider joining a class, exploring the yoga library, or simply reaching out to connect—Let’s support each other in finding joy, presence, and connection beyond the shopping lists.

Wishing you less stress, less clutter, and less pressure to be everything for everyone—and more peace, more presence, and more of what truly matters. I hope our paths cross soon, whether online or in person.

With love,

💕 Francia