AHIMSA

DHARMA TALK - JUly 16, 2017 I HEART YOGA

When I did my teacher training, we studied the yamas and niyamas or yogas ethical and moral codes.  One particularly has stuck to me since I learned about it and that is Ahimsa or non-violence.

Ahimsa essentially means living your life without causing harm to others. Whether physical, emotional, mental or spiritual.  I realized that not only deeds and words can hurt but even thoughts that may be known just to you.  That may be the hardest to restrain yourself from doing as we are faced with scenarios in our daily lives that cause us to say or think bad thoughts about the people that surround us.  But what about causing harm or injury to our own self?  Aren't we our own worst critics?  We constantly judge and put ourselves down even while others are bringing us up.  Why is that?  It is a daily struggle and one that will always be a work in progress.

During your practice today, try to refrain from judging or criticizing yourself when a pose is difficult or unattainable at this moment.  Instead, celebrate small wins and focus on the progress you've made thus far.  Be kind to others and to yourself and keep that mindset as you go through the rest of your week.