The first step in Yoga – Non-violence
According to the Yoga Sutras by Patanjali, one of the first steps in Yoga is being a decent human being and living in harmony with those around you. I believe we are all good at our core, however the stressors of life will inevitably make us do and say things which go against this innate goodness.
When we come to the 8 limbs of Yoga, our guide to living a Yogic life, we start with the Yama’s. These are our code of self regulation, and may seem like common sense, however can be easily forgotten unless constantly practicing mindfulness. They involve our relationship to the world around us, to our loved ones and strangers alike, to Mother earth and all her beings. There are 5 Yama’s which we will cover over the coming weeks.
The first Yama is Ahimsa, non-violence. You may read this and instantly think, of course I practice non-violence, I would never kill anyone. But do you think violent thoughts every now and then? Be honest, I know I have been frustrated with someone to the point of wanting to slap them! Do you yell at your children or partner? Do you cook with love and compassion, serving up meals feeling grateful for the food we are so blessed to have access to? If you choose to eat meat do you recognise that this was once a living being and give thanks for the life it lead? All this may seem like woo woo, but it is part of leading a Yoga life. If you participate in classes and walk away being an asshole, then you are not a practicing Yogi, you are doing an exercise class. That is ok, but don’t tell people you ‘do’ Yoga, because you don’t.
Violence is all around us, every time we switch on the news, every time we get in our cars, each time we have an altercation with another human being, we can choose a path of violence or Ahimsa. When you practice Yoga Asana (postures) do you push, strain, exert and force yourself through the positions, or do you find a balance between strength and suppleness? How do you speak to yourself, about yourself, how do you treat yourself and your body?
Choose your path, be mindful of how you speak, think and act. And for one whole week practice Ahimsa in every situation. I promise you will begin to soften, you will open up to other people’s points of view, and you will see what this Yoga thing is all about.
