Yoga Challenge: Yamas (Interpersonal Ethics) #1 – Ahimsa (Non-Harming)

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Happy Day 24 of our 30 Day Yoga Challenge – Ahimsa

Good Morning Yogis! I started Daily Yogi with flash cards of the Yamas and Niyamas in my day planner. Now, after deep dives introducing the 8 Limbs of Yoga, each of the Asanas (Poses) in Surya Namaskar / Sun Salutations, and a couple of special features, we are back to my flash card days. Last time we practiced the opposite of the first of the Yamas, Ahimsa (non-harming) with a random act of kindness, but today we will take it a step further and practice active non-harming.

Daily Yogi branch of Yamas lower limb of yoga - Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharya, Aparigraha
Yamas – Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharya, Aparigraha

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to actively exercise Ahimsa or non-harming today. Need ideas? It can be big or small. We should strive to exercise non-harming with our thoughts, words and/or actions.

For actions, you can avoid killing a bug you find in the house, and instead use a cup and paper or cardboard to carry outside. Perhaps drive compassionately if you have to drive today.

Maybe refrain from letting your temper get the best of you and stay kind throughout a difficult interaction.. this will probably be non-harming in both words and actions. Keep in your mind and try to follow “if you do not have anything nice to say, do not say anything at all.”

Or, to practice Ahimsa with our thoughts, try to stay positive today with yourself, and notice and stop yourself from any negative self-talk or other criticism.

Want more Ahimsa practices? Check out our Ahimsa Guide!

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Share your Practice

Please comment and share how you decided to practice Ahimsa today. How did it make you feel? Always remember, be kind!

              

6 thoughts on “Yoga Challenge: Yamas (Interpersonal Ethics) #1 – Ahimsa (Non-Harming)”

  1. I used your bug suggestion! Today my 2 y/o wanted to squish an ant that he found in the house 😆but instead I showed him how to bring it outside and we talked about how ants are super strong. Together we watched it crawl away 🤗

    Reply

  2. I practiced this with my thoughts today in being kinder to myself..yesterday was hard for me emotionally, I was feeling very down on myself and feeling sad about past mistakes I had made etc.. A phone call from my mom and thinking about your first post helped pull me out of it, and today I feel much better. Sometimes it’s hard to be as kind to yourself as you are towards others

    Reply

    1. We practiced this yesterday by having all vegetarian meals for the day. I always feel great after a day with no meat.

      Reply

  3. I also used the bug suggestion, I let a spider live instead of crushing it ruthlessly! It was gross though lol

    Reply
  4. Pingback: Ahimsa - Non-Harming - Day 1
  5. Pingback: Satya - Truthfulness - Day 1

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