The yogic principle encourages us to live in harmony with all beings, practicing kindness and non-harm in everything we do. It is essential to living an ethical life.
Ahimsa, directly translated from Sankrit means ‘absence of injury’. Injury or harm may be caused by physical actions, through expression or words, and thoughts of our minds.
Of all the yogic principles, Ahimsa resonates the highest with me, as it is a concept that can be applied throughout almost all of what we do. Read on to find out how I practice ahimsa every day.
ahimsa parama dharma: “Nonviolence is our greatest walk of life.”
Kindness to all beings - and this means all beings! From the tiniest bugs, the food we choose to eat, and our thoughts and actions towards other human beings, do everything from a place of kindness or love.
Rather than squashing that tiny (but maybe scary) bug, choose to return it to the garden, where it can fulfill its role in pollinating flowers and contributing to the health of our planet.
Consider eating a vegetarian or vegan diet. Choosing to eat a predominantly plant-based diet is practicing non-harm toward animals. Even small steps towards eating less animal products create a better future for the health of our planet and our bodies. Ahimsa can be applied further, by taking care to prepare our food with love and choosing to nourish our bodies with healthy and nutritious foods. It may not always be the easiest choice but show kindness to your body, and it will thank you.
Our thoughts and actions towards others have a great impact on the relationships we develop with people. When we show kindness and empathy towards others it is always appreciated, and it helps us build positive and trusting relationships. A random act of kindness could be a small gesture from one being, but mean the world to another.
In the words of Florence and the Machine ' You've Got the Love', so share it around!
Kindness to ourselves - positive self-talk, an attitude of gratitude, and self-care Sundays!
How we think and talk to ourselves determines our happiness and wellbeing. Practicing positive self-talk and maintaining a positive mindset enables us to recognise all the strengths we have, and the incredible things we are capable of doing, as well as be resilient through challenging times. When the cards don't quite fall your way or you have made a mistake, learn from the experience rather than being hard on yourself.
Practicing gratitude helps us to maintain a positive mindset. When our mindset is positive, we feel more energised, and respond better to stress. Thinking positively prevents negative self-talk, and ultimately we are kinder to ourselves.
Self-care shouldn't just be for Sundays either, and self-care will look different for everyone. Some of my favourite self-care rituals are; enjoying a cup of ginger tea when I first wake up, walking down the beach with my dog Yogi, practicing yoga, taking time out in the afternoons to read or rest, and cooking delicious, healthy meals for myself and my partner Wade. Caring for yourself is the kindest thing you can do. When you are in optimal health, you have the highest capacity to care for others.
Need an opportunity to practice self-care rituals... Join me for the Full Moon Yoga & Meditation Workshop, where we will move our bodies through a gentle yoga flow to prepare for meditation. Following meditation, we will explore a self-care ritual by applying an organic clay face mask. While the mask works its magic, you will be invited to journal with guided prompts under the moonlight. Rinse, release and relax... Friday 23 February 2024.
When we begin to integrate the yogic principle of Ahimsa into all aspects of our lived experience, we start to see the world through a different lens.
Love is the bridge between you and everything ~Rumi