Ahimsa: A Power Yoga Theme
“If we want to fully experience love and belonging, we must believe that we are worthy of love and belonging. Worthy now. Not if. Not when. We are worthy of love and belonging now. Right this minute. As is.” -Brene Brown
In Sanskrit, Ahimsa is the practice of non-violence. Simply, it’s understood as not taking action to hurt others. We know this — this is not hard for most of us. However, in another sense, Ahimsa can be applied to the self — and this can be much more difficult.
On the yoga mat, practicing Ahimsa looks like honoring your body each time you show up, and giving your body what it needs. Ahimsa also means speaking kindly and compassionately to yourself when you meet a challenge. Take the time on your mat to fill each action, thought, and breath with love and kindness.
Mindfully, practicing Ahimsa can allow us to leave behind the things that don’t serve us. To release self-limiting beliefs and fears. To leave behind guilt we carry, negative narratives about ourselves and love ourselves exactly where we are at this present moment.
Energetic focus is self-love, Ahimsa.
Physical Focus is the heart — I will cue the chest — open the chest by bringing your shoulders down and back towards your spine throughout the practice…but also honor yourself and your body and what feels good for you right now.
3 breaths with shoulder/chest opening practice.
Inhale shoulders up, exhale release shoulders down and back towards your spine.
Inhale raise your arms up, exhale cactus arms.
Inhale round your arms forward, exhale clasp your hands behind you and push your chest out, shoulders down and back.
Child’s pose meditation
Briefly meditate on what you may be holding on to, on what is not serving you in a positive way. Make an intention right now for this class, this time in this space. What can you release?
Waterfall/Inversion
“Self-love is the nourishment that gives us clarity and strength to love others as well “- Yung Pueblo
Practicing Ahimsa towards myself allowed me to show up for others in ways I never thought that I could or maybe I hadn’t in the past when I was not as kind to myself. When I have moments of anxiety and self-doubt and start believing negative narratives — it shows in how I show up at work, with my partner and even for my children.
For me, yoga has been a path towards self-love. It has given me control over my breath and control over my body, which translates into control over my mind and its experience. Practicing ahimsa towards myself allows me to slow my thinking and step back to view my life with a perspective grounded in calm and presence.
“If we want to fully experience love and belonging, we must believe that we are worthy of love and belonging. Worthy now. Not if. Not when. We are worthy of love and belonging now. Right this minute. As is.” -Brene Brown
