Ahimsa is a Sanskrit word from the Yoga Sutras meaning “non-violence”. It’s a principle we often overlook because we assume, ‘I’m not physically violent, therefore, I’m non-violent’. We may forget about verbal, emotional and psychological violence.
If we have this awareness, we may explore other forms of violence and think, ‘well, I don’t verbally or emotionally abuse anyone, and I’ve got a good grip on my temper, so I’m not violent’.
We tend to also forget the violence we think and feel towards others when we’re triggered, even if we don’t act on it. What made us want to hurt or diminish this person, even in our heads?
We then neglect any violence (or aggression, or unkindness) against ourselves.
As I began my first weekend of Hatha Yoga Teacher Training this January, I was thrust into a rich world of spirituality and practice that placed me in direct contact with my shadow self. We were asked, namely, to explore how we broke the ahimsa. We were told to choose an area in our lives where we noticed it particularly and how we intended on correcting our behaviour.
There are many areas, as I’m sure you’ll observe in yourself the same pattern, where I am not peaceful and kind toward myself. There are even several moments where my thoughts and feelings toward others are far from compassionate.
I chose to apply the ahimsa to my inner dialogue and my body image. It became obvious to me that if I spoke the way I’d been speaking to myself to anyone else, I’d be called cruel, callous or a nag. In fact, I probably wouldn’t be well liked at all.
Sadly, I have not been a friend to mySelf. But that’s about to change.
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Interestingly, I am also interviewing a fascinating Mindfulness Expert, called Heather Elliott who is running a 10-Day Mindfulness Revolution – Radical Mindfulness for the Spiritual Seeker. Together, we’re observing the mind and being proactive about reforming new brain paths.
It’s quite beautiful when your outer world aligns to meet your needs, to show you love and support. It feels like serendipity, but in fact, it’s manifestation of your spiritual growth.
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I hope you’ll join me in finding ONE area of your life to practice the ahimsa principle of non-aggression/violence. If, like me, you’ve been giving and felt the pressure to prove worthiness, then you may have to start with yourSelf.
Love and gratitude to you, my friends!
Reiki Blessings, Meegwetch.
