Ahimsa, non-violence, is the first of the yamas, yoga’s ethical principles in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. We often think of it outwardly: not harming others. But it also starts within.
The mat as a place of non-violence
Shari Friedrichsen, a teacher with nearly four decades of experience, suggests a proactive, daily approach. Step one: don’t beat yourself up when an asana doesn’t work, when pranayama is hard or when your mind wanders.
Being kind to ourselves is already progress, because it makes us more compassionate towards others.
Being before doing
For Friedrichsen, who we are matters more than what we do: our actions flow from our inner qualities.
Ahimsa every day
- In thought: how do you talk to yourself when you make a mistake?
- In speech: can you tell the truth without hurting?
- In action: how do you treat people, animals, the planet?
- In the body: listening to limits instead of forcing them.
Next time a pose doesn’t work out, try smiling. That is yoga too.
Source: Yoga International – Proactive and daily approach to ahimsa.
