AHIMSA

Alicia J. Valentyn
Feb 18, 2020
2 min read

*Simple yet Profound*

In the hustle and bustle of modern day life how does a person remember to intertwine Patañjali’s ancient teachings, of the Eight-Limb Path of Yoga, into their daily life?

For me my answer is: I ‘Practice’ sprinkling in the ancient teachings a little bit each day.

The following is an excerpt from my upcoming book, dYnO’s DaNcE * on the Eight-Limb Path * - I don’t profess to be a sage on the ancient teachings of yoga, but instead, I desire to be a lifelong student. My yoga teachers taught me that ‘yoga is a practice.’ When I practice just one of the Eight-Limbs, I find myself enjoying a terrific moment. However it’s when my Spirit guides me to experience all of the Eight-Limbs at once that I feel moments of pure bliss -

For the readers, (that’s you :-), these ancient teachings, of the Eight-Limbs, may have once been introduced to you in someway shape or form. If you continue to read this then hopefully you’ll learn some good ways for sprinkling in some of the Eight-Limbs into your every day life.

The foundation or root, of Patañjali’s wisdom, are the YAMAS- (ethical principles that guide how we treat others and self).

The 5 sub-principles underneath YAMAS;

Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharya, Aparigraha.

Let’s focus on one YAMA at a time.

Beginning with the principle of;

Ahimsa - (non-violence)

A simple way of looking at Ahimsa for me is to reflect on my own life. As a child I was taught it’s important to be kind to others. But I don’t recall anyone ever telling me to be nice to myself. I recall as a child I used to criticize myself often. Using terms, such as; I AM not good enough, I AM not pretty, I AM not smart enough, I AM confused, I AM not important- etc... I would criticize myself often therefore causing an inner dialogue of violence to my higher self.

It was a blessing for me when I discovered yoga teacher training, in 2011. During my YTT class our teachers introduced up to Patañjali’s Eight-Limb Path of Yoga. Finally I could truly be kind to myself. My yoga trainers taught me the deeper meaning of - Ahimsa.

Truly each person may interpret the definition, of Ahimsa, to fit with their own divine purpose.

Today, how does non-violence look for you, in your life?

For me; I remind myself, of the principle of Ahimsa, by being kind to myself, to my Soul. I know when I emit kindness - this kind energy - will go out to All.

Here’s to practicing, the Eight-Limb Path of Yoga, a little bit each day.

I challenge you to practice, Ahimsa or non-violence today. Then write it down (or write to me) and Share with me how you practiced. How did you feel afterwards? How did your Soul feel when you were kind to yourself?