Exploring Yama 1: Ahimsa
Content note: Brief mentions of self‑criticism, emotional overwhelm, and RSD, framed in a supportive and non‑graphic way.
Read time: 8 minutes
Ahimsa
Ahimsa means a respect for all living things and an avoidance of violence towards others. However, it also means violence towards ourselves. Violence isn’t just about physical violence, it might be found within the words that we say, our self-thoughts, not listening to our bodies, or pushing ourselves too far.
Although we can often learn how to respect other living beings, which also applies to animals, insects, nature, and to move through life in a gentle manner, it can be so much harder to apply this principle to ourselves.
We might tell ourselves that we are not good enough, we need to try harder, push further, we might say that we aren’t smart, that we failed, and so on, when those aren’t true or kind things to say to ourselves. That Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD) can be something that we put onto ourselves, as well as experiencing it from others.
In the practice of yoga, it might be that we listen to our bodies needing a slower, quieter practice. It is not trying to compete against others in the class, instead respecting the needs of our body on the day and not telling ourselves negative things for doing so. An example could be not saying that we are not doing something “correctly” or that we have a “weak” side and so on. I know from personal experience this can be easier said than done.
We can become so caught up in the past, or worrying about the future, that we struggle to be in the present moment, and this can cause us pain and harm. When trying to practice mindfulness, this might be something that we struggle with, become frustrated about even. My approach to these thought and worries, is “reframe rather than reject.” What does this mean? Rather that trying to reject, or push away, the thoughts and anxieties that come into our minds, which creates resistance, I thank my mind for bringing something into my awareness to deal with at a later time. I put no shame upon myself for having thoughts, feelings, and distractions within my mind, I allow them to come, I acknowledge them, and I then release them with an awareness that there are areas within my life where I still need to do work. I apply Ahimsa.
Ahimsa, the foundation principle of the yogic yamas, helps to guide us in our thoughts, words, and actions. With respect for ourselves, and awareness of what is aligned with who we are and where we are on our journey of life, we can move through life in a kinder, gentler, manner. When we can find contentment within ourselves, this starts to create a sense of belonging and community with those around us too. At this time of the year, I feel that it is more important than ever to remind ourselves to practice Ahimsa, and it is a practice. It may seem difficult, strange, at first but the more that we practice it the more it will become like second nature to us.
In western society, we see January as the start of the new year, a time to set new goals, to start new diets or fitness regimes, and we put a lot of unnecessary pressure upon ourselves. However, we are still in the depths of winter. We will see snow, ice, and cold weather. January is not a time for rebirth. Yes, we celebrated the longest night on 21st December and the promise of the returning light, yet it is not a quick process. We are still in a time of being held within the dark womb of the land. It is time to hunker down, to rest and reflect. It is a time to integrate the lessons of the past year before the earth begins to stir again at the Spring Equinox, in March/April. It was not until the standardisation of time, in the 16th century, that the Gregorian calendar was adopted and 1st January became the new year.
For me, January is a very quiet month. I don’t set new years resolutions, I will start to think about that in February, ready for when life becomes more active from the Solstice. Whilst my activity will increase between now and the solstice, it will be in a gentle and gradual way, not the abrupt fast paced start that society expects after the Christmas break.
My exercise regime and yoga practice is gentle too. January can feel like a strange and heavy month, and if this is true for you, feel no guilt or shame for listening to your body, practicing some ahimsa, and listening to the land. We know that the light will be returning and this is the time of sacred pause before we are ‘reborn’ within the spring.
Starting the day with Ahimsa
Our morning routine can set the tone for the day, so, where possible, it is important to practice Ahimsa from the moment that we wake up. I know that if I wake up and jump out of bed straight away, it is never a good start. I need a slow wake-up in the morning to allow me that time to transition from being asleep to being awake. If you are someone who struggles with transitions you may experience this too. I have three gentle alarms, yet I know that the first two are just advanced notifications.
What I have noticed is that if my morning starts with an activity that increases dopamine levels, it sets the tone for my day and everything goes so much better. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter and it helps us with motivation, learning, and feeling good. Dopamine levels fluctuate throughout the day, which is necessary, yet for those of us with ADHD especially, we can find ourselves needing an extra boost.
One of my favourite morning activities, in the summer, is spending 10 minutes sitting in the garden, drinking my morning drink, and absorbing the morning sunshine and listening to the birds singing. It really does fill me with gratitude. Although I should do it during winter too, I don’t do it as often. Getting natural sunlight is important though, without it our body produces melatonin, making us sleepy, and that affects our serotonin levels which give us that feel good factor, boosts energy, and helps is to feel alert. Feeding both our serotonin levels (the mood stabiliser) and dopamine levels (the reward chemical), we start the day feeling motivated, ready to learn, positive, and balanced. In the colder months, I tend to start my morning with an indoor meditation and grounding exercise, some gentle yoga, and perhaps a cup of ceremonial cacao… and I go outdoors when my dog and I are feeling brave enough to face the cold.
The Gift – giving ourselves a gentle dopamine releasing morning ritual is a gift. It doesn’t need to be a big gift, even a few minutes can make the world of difference. It might be 3-5 minutes; it could be 30 seconds. The key is to find what works for us. What drains and what sustains. On the Facebook pages, I have made a little worksheet that you may like to reflect on and complete, helping you to decide what gift that you would like to give to yourself.
Ahimsa towards others and animals
A man, in a burgundy shirt, looking away from the camera, and hugging a Golden Retriever dog, who is looking towards the camera with a relaxed expression.
In order to keep this blog within reasonable length, I will write another blog, later on, to explore Ahimsa towards others and with animals.
