We are beginning our exploration of the 8 limbs of yoga with the first limb ~ the Yamas. The Yamas are a set of ethical standards that ask us to consider more intentionally how we show up & move through the world. The Yamas outline ways of being in relationship with ourselves, others & the world in general that guide us toward greater meaning & purpose.
The 5 Yamas are ~
Ahimsa (non-violence)
Satya (truthfulness)
Asteya (non-stealing)
Brahmacharya (non-excess)
Aparigraha (non-possessiveness)
This month, we will focus our attention on the practice of non-violence (Ahimsa). There are many facets to the idea of non-violence. Taken at first glance, Ahimsa may seem like a fairly easy concept to master especially if we think of it in primarily physical terms. But when we explore the subtleties of non-violence, we begin to build an awareness of a lack of peacefulness when it arises as an energy form in our thoughts & feelings. When we are aware of its presence in the subtle form, we can acknowledge this lack of peacefulness before it manifests in words or actions.
A personal way to deepen your exploration of Ahimsa is to practice holding space for yourself with compassion, acceptance & gratitude. We live in a culture where there is more than a little pressure to “fix” what doesn’t feel like it’s working. The idea of “fixing” ourselves is an easy trap to fall into because it sounds valid – after all, there are things that we’d all like to see change. It is not the desire for change itself that perpetuates the cycle of lovelessness in ourselves & in our lives but the judgment-laden perspective that without achieving that change, we are somehow less. Even the choice of the word “fix” implies that something is broken. Applying the practice of non-violence to ourselves allows us to move steadily in the direction we wish to go without judging ourselves along the way. From this perspective, transformation becomes a loving gift we give ourselves. There’s a beautiful poem by Nayyirah Waheed ~ “as you are | you are the prayer” ~ that reflects our struggle with this idea ~
‘as you are.’ says the universe.
‘after…’ you answer.
‘as you are.’ says the universe.
‘before…’ you answer.
‘as you are.’ says the universe.
‘when…’ you answer.
‘as you are.’ says the universe.
‘how…’ you answer.
‘as you are.’ says the universe.
‘why…’ you answer.
‘because
you are happening now.
right now.
right at this moment
and
your happening
is beautiful.
the thing that keeps me alive
and
brings me to my knees.
you don’t even know how breathtaking you
are.
as you are.’ says the universe through tears
We will continue to explore Ahimsa ~ non-violence ~ throughout the month from varying perspectives. If you are interested in learning more about the Yamas & the Niyamas (yoga’s second limb), you might enjoy a book by Deborah Adele called The Yamas & Niyamas, Exploring Yoga’s Ethical Practice & a book by Maetreyii Ma called Living Love, the Yoga of Yama & Niyama.
Want to learn more about what we do? Ready to see how the teachings of yoga can support the way you want to live your life? Join us in the Community Library! It’s free and open to everyone and offers a rotating selection of recorded meditation and yoga classes to support your journey.