Non-violence is such a great place to start working with the Yamas and Niyamas! Like all of the yogic precepts, when you begin to work with it, it becomes clear how deep it goes. There is the obvious part of non-violence: being gentle with others physically, allowing bugs to remain alive, becoming a vegetarian, or eating meat and meat products that are raised in a humane manner, choosing to be concious of our footprint on the planet…
But what about the subtle aspects of non-violence? What about when we are in an arguement with a loved one and we say the mean thing that comes to mind? What about when we are practicing hatha yoga on a day our body is tired, but we want to look good compared to our neighbor in class, so we keep pushing our body? What about eating a food that doesn’t agree with us over and over? Don’t these things all represent acts of violence, either against another or, most typically, against ourselves?
The way I happen to be most violent with myself recently is my habit of worry. It makes me anxious, causes me physical discomfort, and then, to add insult to injury, it impacts the people around me, whom I love most. The challenge for me is to not push it away (also violent) but to gently listen to what this part of me has to say, love it, and let it go. To not get reactive is the most beautiful, life-affirming action I can take with this particular form of violence. And yet, in the moment, it feels next to impossible! Ah, the workings of my monkey-mind!
In the coming week, I will share with you how I am working with bringing the Yogic directive for non-violence to my worry. Would you join me? What subtle (or not so subtle) ways do you hurt yourself and/or others? Can you observe your patterns and shine the light on them without making yourself “bad” (also violent)? It is a powerful practice, friends. Share with me your insights into letting go of just one act of aggression in your own life.
