Yoga is much more than the collection of poses, stretches, and exercises that we practice when we go to a yoga class. About 2,000 years ago in India, Patanjali codified many of the existing yoga practices into a unified text, in which the practice of yoga is described as having 8 limbs (one of which is Asana, or the physical postures you may be familiar with). The first limb is Yamas. The yamas are the five restraints -- essentially a list of moral and ethical rules to live by. And the first yama is ahimsa.
Ahimsa means non-harming. So, of course this means that we should not harm other people or animals. It is important, though, to think about what "harming" means to us -- how might we be harming people/animals in not-so-obvious ways. And it is also very important to remember that, perhaps above all else, we should practice non-harming towards ourselves. Many of us have a habit of treating strangers better than we treat ourselves. But how can we be expected to thrive and to do our best for others if we are neglecting our own needs? Whenever I'm on a plane and they run through the safety speech just before take-off, I think of ahimsa when they get to the part about the oxygen masks. "...if you are seated near someone who needs assistance, put on your own mask before helping others."
So, while I think we should practice ahimsa in all areas of our lives, I encourage you to take some time to think about how your actions, inaction, and even your self-talk may be harming YOU. Next time you can't seem to squeeze in your yoga practice, going to the gym, going for a hike, meditating, setting aside an hour to read for pleasure, cooking healthy food for yourself, or whatever your particular needs may be, ask yourself: if I was to give my best friend advice about this, what would I tell her/him to do? Then follow your own advice.
What does Ahimsa mean for you?
Make a list of the ways you can practice Ahimsa in your life.
Eat Well. Live Well. Be Well. Practice Ahimsa.
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