Living in Non-Violence

One of the teachings in yoga is called, Ahimsa, meaning "non-violence."  The yogi is asked to relate to others and self in this way.  It includes not only the absence of violence, but acting with kindness and considerations in all matters.  You may think to yourself, "well, I am generally kind, I don't beat people up, and I certainly would never kill a fellow human.  I must be living in ahimsa."

You may be on the right path, but think of violence as discord.  Think of it not as an aggression, but as (what we in Seattle are known for) a passive aggression as well.  A lot of the violence we partake of are in conversations with others.  We use purposefully stinging words, particularly to ourselves.  Imagine if another person talked down to you the way you talk down to yourself on a daily basis.  I catch myself saying something demeaning to myself every single day.  The key is to catch yourself.

Here are some ways you can enhance ahimsa in your life:

• stop gossiping
• always tell the truth
• speak positively to yourself
• let go of grudges
• don't react, live each moment with awareness
• leave sarcasm out of your speech
• live in gratitude!