Embracing Ahimsa: 3 Ways to Practice On and Off the Yoga Mat
Folks I’ve been dreaming of this day a long time. As I write this I’m reflecting on the last 9 years of my teaching experience and the last 14 years of my yoga practice. I came to yoga in 2010 with a curious mind to try something new. I quickly became enamoured with how much strength was involved in classes like power vinyasa. I didn’t realize there was more to yoga than stretching. I could get stronger, build muscle and flexibility all at the same time. And then, when I experienced therapeutic, restful styles of yoga it genuinely shocked my system. I did not think I would be that into a restorative or yin yoga type of class. The compliment of this with power vinyasa had blown my mind wide open in my mid 20s. Not long after I realized yoga had all the amazing spiritual guidelines and beliefs of most religions without the conflict. I fell in love with this practice more than once. Each time discovering something new.
Today I realize how much my yoga practice, on and off the mat, influences the way I approach so many aspects of my life and how I choose to spend my time. Yoga philosophy gives us a guideline and structure to expand the yoga practice beyond the work we do on the mat. What it doesn’t do is give you absolute answers and definitive results. It is mean to open the door to self-inquiry and generate awareness around how we interact with ourselves and the world around us.
Introduction to Ahimsa
Ahimsa is the first of five moral discipline in the Yamas. The Yamas are the first limb in Patanjali's 8 Limbs of Yoga and there is a very clear reason that Ahimsa comes first. It is the beacon guiding our actions both in practice and daily life. Ahimsa signifies non-violence or non-harm. This concept goes beyond the obvious of physical violence and encompasses our thoughts, words, and actions - towards ourselves and others.
Ahimsa in the Bhagavad Gita
The Bhagavad Gita, a core text in yoga and Hindu philosophy, touches on ahimsa repeatedly. In Chapter 16, Verse 2, Lord Krishna mentions it as one of the divine qualities. Here, ahimsa is not just refraining from harming others but cultivating compassion, empathy, and kindness. This aligns with the broader understanding that our intentions and attitude toward others should foster harmony and love.
Interestingly, the Gita also addresses the concept of ahimsa within the context of conflict. The warrior Arjuna finds himself on a battlefield, torn between his duty as a warrior and his moral beliefs. He grapples with the thought of harming his family and friends. However, Krishna guides him to recognize that his duty, or dharma, is to fight for justice and restore moral order. Arjuna practices ahimsa by not allowing his ego or personal desires to cloud his understanding of his duty. His intention is not to seek revenge but to uphold dharma, ensuring his actions are rooted in justice rather than personal animosity.
3 Ways of o Practice Ahimsa On the Mat
Honour Your Body: Yoga is a personal journey, not a competition. I often say if you injure yourself in a yoga class you weren’t practicing yoga. Listen to your body’s signals and practice within your limits. Some days you may feel like dialling it up and other days you may need to dial it down. Honour what you need each and every day. This practice is not linear. It’s not something you can get better at each day.
Be Non-Judgmental: Self-criticism and comparing yourself to others can be harmful. We all have an inner critic and if we don’t pay attention that inner voice can rule our world and the way in which we see it. What is your internal conversation? Are you speaking to yourself in a way that you would speak to someone else? This practice allows us an opportunity to exam ourselves and if we want to be kinder to others we must start within.
Practice Acceptance: Understand that your body changes daily. Some days may be more flexible, while others might be challenging. Accept this reality with grace and compassion. It’s not about fixing yourself or making yourself better. You are not broken. Ahimsa asks us to accept ourselves as we are in any given moment. I often give this example of tight hamstrings. 14 years later I still bend my knees in downward dog and forward folds. Instead of “fixing” to be more flexible I recognize that tightness in muscles helps generate power. We need to strive for balance between strength and flexibility. Too much of either can cause injury. Focus on moderation and accept where you are each day.
3 Ways to Practice Ahimsa Off the Mat
Be Kind and Compassionate: This one’s obvious. Treat the people in your life, the ones you interact with daily with kindness and compassion. Also, avoid gossip and criticism. You don’t want others to talk about you behind your back so return that favour. Be generous. Be nice.
Ahimsa Under Stress: This is where it gets hard. How do we practice kindness during stressful situations? It’s easy to say takes deep breath and respond calmly. But when you’re provoked or under pressure it’s not easy to practice Ahimsa. If you feel personally attacked, how do you respond? Can you step back and detach emotionally when you feel defensive? Admittedly this is the greatest challenge for me. Yoga isn’t asking us to be perfect either. Examine your relationship to Ahimsa under stress and be compassionate towards yourself if you didn’t handle a situation perfectly. You’re not a robot. You’re human.
Self-Compassion: Like I mentioned above, you’re human. Take it easy on yourself. A simple act of showing up to a yoga class and taking that time out for yourself is an act of kindness. Where else can you do this? How can you prioritize rest and self care while balancing life’s responsibilities? How can you approach your duties with a full cup and a full heart?
Ahimsa, as taught in the Bhagavad Gita and other yogic texts, is a cornerstone for a peaceful and meaningful existence. Arjuna’s story shows us that practicing ahimsa does not always mean avoiding conflict but acting with righteous intent. By embracing ahimsa both on and off the mat, we contribute to a more harmonious world, fostering kindness in our relationships and in the way we treat ourselves. Remember that ahimsa is not just a concept but a way of life—one that can guide us toward greater inner peace and outward compassion.