The Yamas and the Niyamas were set forth some 2,000 years ago in Patanjali’sYoga Sutras.
On one’s spiritual path, the yamas and niyamas are the spiritual foundation of one’s practice – ethical principles to live by.
The first Yama is Ahimsa, or non-violence. Most of us think of non-violence as towards something or someone: other people – wars, animals, bugs, etc.. But do we ever think about practicing non-violence towards ourselves? How many times do we beat ourselves up silently or aloud. For example after dropping or breaking something or doing something out of the oridinary, do you say, “That was so stupid, or I’m so stupid!” It is/was not “stupid.” Perhaps you had been working all day or watching your children and you had dinner to make and chores to do and you were simply too tired and/or rushed. Why not replace, “I’m so stupid,” with “wow, I guess I’m really tired. I think I need to simply stop and breathe for a few moments.”
In your yoga classes, do you ever look at someone and think:
I can’t do that, or I will never be able to do that.
I’m too heavy, or
I’m not flexible, or
I’m too old to try that.
Why not replace that with:
This is my first day, week, or month or year! Gosh, what an amazing journey I have before me.”
Try changing your auto reaction of self-criticism/negativity into a positive.
When you find yourself in difficult situations instead of the “why me syndrome,” try looking at the situation with open eyes and an open heart. What can you learn from this experience? Then say: “Thank you teacher. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to open my eyes wider.”
