Ahimsa in Action
Yoga is so much more than just a physical practice.
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There are eight limbs of yoga that offer a guidelines for a purposeful and peaceful life. These principles are practiced on and off of the mat.
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In fact, only one of the eight limbs has to do with the physical practice of yoga, while the other seven explore meditation, breath work, and lifestyle.This is why I always say what happens on the mat is just practice for what happens when you leave it.
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The first limb of yoga explores the Yamas, or one’s ethical standards.
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The first of these is Ahiṃsā, and man has this been on my heart lately.
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Ahiṃsā, in essence, is nonviolence. It is brining respect and kindness to all beings, preventing injury both physically and emotionally, ridding behaviors, thoughts, and patterns that may cause harm to any other living being—person, animal, or plant.
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Ahiṃsā on the mat looks like keeping your body safe, preventing injury or harm to yourself or others. Off of the mat, it takes on many forms.
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So much of my focus has been on doing less harm, both internally (for myself) and externally (for others).
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This means practicing awareness
to see thought patterns and behaviors that are harmful to me, while also practicing awareness to see my thoughts patterns and behaviors that are harmful to others, in my immediate surroundings and larger.
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Awareness is amazing. Yoga is amazing. But nothing happens if you just leave it on your mat.
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These guiding principles weren’t meant to only be practiced barefoot, in a studio, or on a yoga mat. They were left for us to live intentional, happy, healthy lives.
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So I guess what I’m saying is,
Meditate and also take action.
Heal yourself and offer a hand when someone else is wounded.
Send good vibes and also make good shit happen for others.
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Ahiṃsā reminds us to be sensitive, aware, respectful, and kind to the self and others.
May we be considerate for al living beings, including ourselves, and then do something about it.
Not doing harm, isn’t enough-
it is time to do good.