Ahimsa, which translates to "nonviolence" or "non harming," is at the heart of practicing yoga. As your practice on the mat is lead by love and non-harming for yourself, your practice off the mat will likewise continue that love toward yourself and others. Ahimsa, for me, begins with simple, basic, old-fashioned self-care. If I prioritize caring for myself with enough sleep, calm and quiet, healthy whole food, yoga and connections with family and friends, my reserves for love and joy are filled and what spills out to others is more of the same. Slowing my breath, calming my heart and listening to my body in yoga are how I practice ahimsa....and what I "practice" on the mat becomes "habit" off the mat.
“Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I’ll meet you there. When the soul lies down in that grass, the world is too full to talk about. Ideas, language, even the phrase “each other” doesn’t make any sense. The breeze at dawn has secrets to tell you. Don’t go back to sleep. You must ask for what you really want. Don’t go back to sleep. People are going back and forth across the doorsill where the two worlds touch. The door is round and open. Don’t go back to sleep.”
-Rumi
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