Ahimsa is a Sanskrit term meaning "to do no harm." It is the practice of nonviolence or the avoidance of violence, and acting from a place of pure love. One of the five Yamas, or restraints, Ahimsa is part of a code of ethics outlined by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras.

Applying Ahimsa During Asana Practice

Sometimes students become frustrated in classes when the instruction is moving too slow for their liking. The slow pace conflicts with their tendency to go fast, full-force ahead. Like these students, you may be so goal-oriented in your practice that you will do anything to force your way into a yoga posture, instead of experiencing the process and letting your breath guide you. Or maybe you have gotten into the habit as well in choosing which teachers you think are "better".  Often the teachers that rub you the wrong way are the ones reflecting back to you what it is in you that you would rather not see or don't like. Hmm.. 

A slow pace and connection with breath is meant to bring you into the present, to cultivate awareness, and to observe yourself in action. By being mindful and moving slowly, you decrease the risk of possible injury as you avoid hazardous movements.

Mindful movement also inspires body awareness, developing a love relationship with your body, so you know how to nurture and respect it. You should be gentle with yourself; indeed, there is no need to be harsh and aggressive — which is usually less productive.

By yogic standards, activities such as running and aerobics are considered violence against the body, while yoga asana provides the optimal kind of non-violent bodily movement. In short, asana is ahimsa in motion.

 Lisa Nicole Tai is a Yoga Teacher, Thai Massage Practitioner, Holistic Nutritionist, Writer, and Spoken Word Poet. She believes that by combining and applying the healing and creative arts to her life, she will find fulfillment and contribute to that of others.

We are living in a fast paced world, and the illusion is that there is no time, but really there is. No wonder our culture needs yoga more than ever. Anytime of day you feel overwhelmed or anxious, take a moment, take a long deep breath hands on your heart, then proceed.

Relationship and Interaction

You can be harmful through your words, actions, and thoughts. Take a moment (perhaps, a breath?) before saying something to hurt somebody's feelings, especially if you really care about that person. Often, we make comments out of an emotional or reactive place, so we do not have a chance to consider consequences. The result of doing harm to others is suffering: theirs and your own.

You can also be violent toward yourself. You may criticize and judge yourself too harshly, or you might tell yourself that you are unworthy of acceptance and love.  

"Too fat, too skinny, too ugly, too poor?  That's only due to lack of self-realization." ~ Bikram

Of course, we are all deserving of love. Ahimsa reminds us to be compassionate, kind, and loving to free ourselves from the suffering we cause one another.

It's all about the LOVE!  This holiday season, remember to reflect on the fact that "stuff" does not carry as much meaning as a hug and kind words.  

As Tom Lescher so lovingly says, Aloha, namaste and sooo much love!

check out Tom's latest mantra here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VI8N9XdAOCE