A Modern Guide to the Yamas: How to Practice Ahimsa
This is part two of How to Practice the Five Yamas: A Modern Guide to a Balanced Life.
Ahimsa (non-harming)
Promoting love and compassion
For Alo Moves instructor Naya Rappaport, ahimsa refers to non-violence to yourself, other living beings, and the planet. It means promoting love and kindness through your thought, speech, and actions. “When you’re at peace within, when you have that internal happiness, it really shines through and you can give that love without expecting anything just because your cup is overflowing.”
Here’s how to practice ahimsa on and off the mat:
On the mat:
Don’t push yourself to the point of pain just to “achieve” a certain pose. Know that with time, practice, and careful attention, you will eventually end up where you need to be.
Turn off negative self-thoughts in practice. Don’t beat yourself up for getting out of breath, needing to take a break, or not being able to hold or reach a certain pose. Instead, celebrate yourself for showing up and acknowledge the areas where you are strong.
Notice your inner dialogue. We often use our physical yoga practice as a way to escape from the stress of the day, which is often tied to other people. Rather than wishing ill will or thinking harsh thoughts toward anyone, see if you can let it go and send some love their way.
In your life:
Think before you speak or press send. If someone cuts you off in traffic, skips ahead of you in line, or sends you a passive aggressive text, soften your reaction and choose to spread love.
Next time you have a body-shaming thought — toward yourself or others — stop it in its tracks and flip the script. Choose to say one positive thing about yourself or them instead.
Consider where your food is coming from. If you aren’t a vegetarian or vegan, you might opt to limit your meat consumption or consider ethical, sustainable sources and local farms.
Look out for your home planet! Green your transportation by ride sharing, taking the bus, walking, or biking if you’re able to.
Evaluate your current lifestyle. Are your daily and weekly habits enhancing your life, or are they causing you harm? See what you can do to create a life that fills you up rather than wears you down. If the habits that “wear you down” are unavoidable (like a job you need to pay the bills), try your best to set aside time for restorative activities that contribute to your physical and emotional health.
Want to put it into practice? Flow with Naya in her Ahimsa: Love and Compassion yoga class on Alo Moves.
CONTINUE READING…
Let’s continue with the second yama, satya. Click here to read A Modern Guide to the Yamas: How to Practice Satya.