Ahimsa - the first and the most important Yama

So here's the thing: I talk about ahimsa in class a lot. Ahimsa means non harming, or loving kindness. I think most people find it a simple concept to get their heads around at a basic level. Be kind. In any situation that you find yourself, be kind. First be kind to yourself, then you can be kind to others. The people in your life will see you being kind to yourself, receive the kindness that you give, and subconsciously learn from you to be kind to themselves and those around them, then the world will become a better place.

That really sums it up, but what about the subtleties?

I taught a teen yoga class recently and planned to talk about ahimsa with the yogis, and gave them a little mission when they were leaving to pick a piece of paper out of the Kindness box at random and try to do that thing during the week.

But something in my head realised too late, that they were all tired and yawning when they left, and they quietly told me that they had been getting to bed late and were tired from waking up early for school. They were really struggling!

Next yoga class I revisited the ahimsa theme, but this time we talked about how important it is to be kind to yourself first and foremost. They told me that it was sometimes tricky because when you first get on your mat you sometimes feel tired, but once you've moved, you feel energised- deceptive!

That week in the Kindness box, there were little things they could do for themselves to be kind.

Maybe we all need a little kindness box to dip into from time to time and remind ourselves of the simple things we can do to nurture and be kind to ourselves...just imagine if instead of reaching for numbing things like TV, wine or chocolate at the end of the day, you could reach for your kindness box and read-

"Go outside, put your feet on the earth, look at a tree, and breathe 10 deep breaths."

"Have a cup of your favourite healthy beverage and do nothing else until you finish it."

"Play your favourite song, and sit or dance or sing or hum with it."

"Give yourself a mental hug."

"Play a guided meditation."

"Go to bed early tonight."

I'm off to make one of my own.

Namaste x