Ahimsa - the yogic principle of non-violence
The yogic principle of Ahimsa (non-violence) can be further elaborated as the practice of compassion for all living things. This necessarily includes ourselves. It is part of how we practice, requiring us to be aware of the quality of our thoughts and judgements about ourselves. Having an intention to treat ourselves with kindness as we practice is crucial to our mental health.
By paying attention to our thoughts, we remind ourselves to let go of negative judgements of our bodies, our postures, our limitations and comparing ourselves to others (including what we used to be able to do).
By paying attention to the sensations in our bodies, we stop before pain arises, by noticing a catch in the breath, or a hardening of a tissue or muscle. We constantly remind ourselves to soften and let go, and never to cause ourselves pain.
This skill can then be brought into our daily lives.
Once we can look at ourselves with kindness and compassion, it becomes easier to look at others this way too.
By paying attention to our thoughts, we remind ourselves to let go of negative judgements of our bodies, our postures, our limitations and comparing ourselves to others (including what we used to be able to do).
By paying attention to the sensations in our bodies, we stop before pain arises, by noticing a catch in the breath, or a hardening of a tissue or muscle. We constantly remind ourselves to soften and let go, and never to cause ourselves pain.
This skill can then be brought into our daily lives.
Once we can look at ourselves with kindness and compassion, it becomes easier to look at others this way too.
