Lessons from Yoga: Non-harming

​Yoga philosophy is a great resource for everyone seeking guidance in life.
 
One very important principle in yoga is ahimsa or non-harming.
 
Non-harming means we do not engage in acts that are harmful to ourselves and others, whether in yoga practice or life in general.
 
As parents, we make decisions for our children out of love and concern for them. However, we can sometimes misread the situation when we fail to take into account our child’s uniqueness. This may give rise to pain and suffering.

Sage Friedman/ Unsplash

Non-harming also means that we do not harbor thoughts that may cause pain to ourselves and others, whether in yoga practice or life in general.
 
Situations beyond our control may cause us pain. We, then, prolong the pain by dwelling on the event or its consequences.  We thus cause suffering upon ourselves and potentially, to others.

Even situations within our control can cause us to suffer when we forget the power that we have over the situation.
 
We can end or lessen the pain and suffering by changing our thought patterns.
 
Yoga can help us become more aware of our thoughts and behavior, and facilitate the release of inner tensions through postures, breathing practices, purification techniques, and other practices that aim at purifying the body and mind.
 
With consistent practice, we will be able to improve our thought patterns and behavior, and lessen pain and suffering.
 
#ahimsa
#yogasadhana
#yoga
#yamasandniyamas