OM
We begin this Patreon journey with the first Yama: Ahimsa.
Ahimsa is non-violence to all living beings in thought, word, and deed. In addition to not physically assaulting people, this means not smack-talking or thinking hurtful things about them.
I think people are naturally non-violent. Kids are born with open hearts and innocent love for everyone. Just like we still have an inner child, we still have hearts that can soften and open. Ahimsa means making space between an action and a reaction. Holding no ill will toward a person who hurt you and even having compassion for them is the practice of Ahimsa. I know this is easier said than done sometimes. Luckily we have a lifetime to practice.
There are layers to Ahimsa - Your body is fighting and destroying invisible intruders to keep you healthy and alive all the time. It’s impossible to be alive without these tiny acts of violence.
Sometimes violence is required to practice ahimsa. In the Bhagavad Gita, Arjuna is a member of the warrior caste and doesn’t want to fight a war that has family on both sides, but Krishna advises him that he must fight. He must fight because that is his duty - or his dharma - basically, his job is violence. So to not do his duty is an act of violence. He must fight to practice Ahimsa.
Sometimes, particularly in the west, we hear Ahimsa used to justify inaction. I’m thinking specifically of the ‘good vibes only’ response to anyone bringing up systemic issues that must be addressed and dismantled. The attempt to ‘keep the peace’ in this situation is causing harm. Or simply: silence is violence.
Disrupting harm to traditionally, and purposely marginalized groups, and using our positions of privilege and power is Ahimsa. Not everyone is an activist - and that’s okay. But reflecting on our positions within the social construct, and using that place to support and uplift others can happen with small acts every day. It takes practice, and the more we practice the more deeply Ahimsa embeds into all our actions and deeds.
Try these journalling prompts this month. Explore a few, all of them, or work with just one. Take your time. Be kind to yourself.
OM
Kim
Journalling prompts this month:
What is a small way that I can begin to practice Ahimsa toward myself?
What is a small way that I can begin to practice Ahimsa toward others?
When have I been needlessly uncaring or even cruel to another person?
How has that or those actions affected me afterward?
Where do my unkind thoughts about myself come from?
Where does my judgment of others come from?
How can I resist this pattern and practice non-judgement?