Ahimsa: Living with Compassion and Non-harm

At the heart of yoga’s ethical teachings lies Ahimsa—non-violence, or compassion in thought, word, and action. While it may seem simple not to cause harm, Ahimsa asks us to go deeper: How do we speak to ourselves? How do we treat our bodies, our relationships, and the planet?


Practicing Ahimsa is not about being perfect—it’s about choosing gentleness, patience, and kindness again and again. When we embody compassion, we create harmony within ourselves and with all beings.


Meditation on Loving-Kindness

  1. Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and place your hand over your heart.
  2. Begin with slow, steady breaths.
  3. Silently repeat:
  4. May I be safe.
  5. May I be healthy.
  6. May I be at peace.
  7. Then extend these wishes outward—to loved ones, to those you struggle with, and to all beings everywhere.
  8. Rest in the spaciousness of compassion.


Pranayama for Ahimsa

  1. Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing): Balances the nervous system, cultivating calm presence before we act or speak.
  2. Dirga Pranayama (Three-Part Breath): Deep belly, rib, and chest breathing to soften tension and invite ease into the body.
  3. Both practices remind us to slow down and respond with kindness rather than react in frustration.

Off-the-Mat Practices of Ahimsa

  1. Self-Talk Audit: Notice the tone of your inner voice. Can you replace criticism with compassion?
  2. Mindful Eating: Choose foods that nourish and energize, and eat without distraction or hurry.
  3. Acts of Kindness: Offer a small daily gesture—hold the door, smile, write a kind note. Even simple acts ripple outward.
  4. Eco-Compassion: Reduce waste, recycle, or spend time in nature with gratitude for the Earth.

Living Ahimsa

Ahimsa reminds us that every thought, word, and action carries energy. By practicing gentleness within ourselves, we extend that same compassion outward. In this way, non-harm becomes not just avoidance of violence, but a daily celebration of kindness, reverence, and love.

Be kind, Yogis, but remember….you can still hiss.

Namaste,

Resa

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