What is Ahimsa? Do no harm...

AHIMSA: kindness, compassion, non-violence or non-harm

Over the coming weeks, we’ll introduce you to some of the key ethical principles from the ashtanga yoga system. It’s important that we practice yoga both on and off the mat. Our aim is to bring these ancient teachings and make them relatable for modern day life.

As yoga students, we need to incorporate these principles into our everyday lives, as they help us reduce our vrittis (thoughts in Sanskrit), so that we can find peace of mind ☮️ .

Ahimsa is the first of the 5 Yamas and the Yamas are the first limb of the 8-limbed ashtanga yoga system. Starting the whole yoga system with ahimsa shows that it’s integral and at the heart 💓 of everything we do.

To practice ahimsa, we focus on not causing any harm, this seems like an easy one, most of us don't go out seeking to hurt others, but it goes deeper than that.

Ahimsa means to not cause harm to ourselves as well as to others; through our thoughts, our words and our actions. It requires constant reflection to ensure we are coming at things from a place of compassion and kindness.

🤯Have you accidentally judged someone before really knowing them? Do you talk negatively to yourself? See... it’s not so easy!

Just like our physical asana practice, ahimsa is a practice, something we strengthen day by day as we try to be a little better. When we choose kindness and compassion over judgement or negativity, notice how much better you feel. You can choose to tune into that place of peace at anytime by practicing this Yama.

❔How do you practice ahimsa?

❔How do you relate it to your interaction with yourself, others, animals and the environment?

We’d love to hear!

Why not show yourself some love and join us on the mat: online or in-studio 7 days a week. Take a look at our timetable here.