Starting with a classic yoga text, The Yoga Sutras by Patanjali, I want to talk about Yamas and Niyamas. The Sutras function as guidance on how to achieve enlightenment. They were written about 4000 years ago and it is speculated that the text was probably written by a number of different people over time.
The text outlines 8 limbs of yoga:
Yama (moral discipline)
Niyama (observances)
Asana (physical postures)
Pranayama (breathing techniques)
Pratyahara (sense withdrawal)
Dharana (concentration)
Dhyana (absorption or meditation)
Samadhi (enlightenment or bliss)
When we think of yoga we tend to go straight to the asanas and then maybe to pranayama. The Yamas and Niyamas are a good place to start a yoga journey beyond the mat.
Yamas are things to do less of. As someone who frequently needs a nudge to a healthier body and mind, it does me good to be reminded that to ‘do less’ of unhelpful things is beneficial. The Yamas include:
Ahimsa (non-violence)
Satya (truthfulness)
Asteya (non-stealing)
Brahmacharya (right use of energy)
Aparigraha (non-greed or non-hoarding)
On the surface it doesn't look groundbreaking but as I’ve read more and thought more I have found that I really am strolling along to a healthier way to live.
Ahimsa really resonates with me. I don’t have a violent bone in my body, err away from conflict and wouldn’t want to do anyone any harm. I’m not sure how much less of this I can do. However, Ahimsa is more than non-violence. It can also be interpreted as non-harming which feels very different to me and encompasses harm beyond physical harm; hurtful words, action or thoughts. More importantly it reminds me to do less harm to myself. I often return to this theme in my teaching to urge students not to push themselves on their mats to a point where they might do themselves either physical or emotional harm. Pushing in an asana can cause injuries but it can also impact self-esteem and confidence. I return to the point that yoga is playful too and when it becomes too serious or competitive, it can do harm.
When teachers talk about taking yoga off the mat, this is the sort of thing they are suggesting. Non-harming is such a simple, lovely way to live and as we move towards doing less harm to ourselves, we might have more to give others.
‘Ahimsa and love are one and the same thing’ (Mahatma Gandhi). This does not just mean for others but for ourselves too. Move on your mat with love and care. Place your body in poses mindfully, honourably and delicately.
Love Karen x
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