According to Patanjali's 5,000 year old Yoga Sutras, asanas are just one of the 8 limbs of yoga. The limbs are, in order:
1~Yamas (moral codes)
2~ Niyamas (self- purification, observance)
3~ Asana (posture, seat)
4~ Pranayama (breath or life force control)
5~ Pratyahara (withdrawl of the senses)
6~ Dharana (concentration)
7~ Dhyana (meditation)
8~ Samadhi (bliss state, Super Consciousness)
The first 4 limbs are external disciplines that cultivate in ourselves the conditions necessary to allow the internal unfolding of the final 4 limbs. Our focus this month will be on the first of the Yamas: ahimsa, or non-harm.
Ahimsa~non-harm
Traditionally we begin practicing ahimsa internally, observing our thoughts about others as well as ourselves. A wonderful way to experiment with this is by witnessing our thoughts throughout any given day, and without judgement, notice the ones that seem harmful. Often we're surprised by the overwhelming number of harmful thoughts. This is when we must also remember to practice ahimsa towards ourselves.
The next step in working with ahimsa is to be conscientious of speech. Set the intention to be mindful of negative speech patterns throughout the day. When we become aware of thoughts manifesting as harmful speech, the awareness of ahimsa can immediately cut off these destructive patterns.
After working with our thoughts and speech, we begin to practice ahimsa in our actions. Noticing something as seemingly simple as the laundry detergent we use and how it affects mother earth will allow us to witness how small actions affect our world and all the beings we share it with. Another example of ahimsa-in-action is educating ourselves about the food we eat and where it comes from.
It is important to have patience with ourselves when we begin to embark on this 8-limbed path. At the same time it is crucial that we are honest as we practice releasing harmful thoughts, speech and actions.
"Compassion is an essential ingredient of Ahimsa. Through compassion you begin to see yourself in other beings." ~Sharon Gannon and David Life, Founders of Jivamukti Yoga
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