{"id":635,"date":"2013-11-05T20:11:17","date_gmt":"2013-11-06T01:11:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theyogimovement.com\/?p=635"},"modified":"2016-10-08T13:30:24","modified_gmt":"2016-10-08T17:30:24","slug":"yogaology-ahimsa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theyogimovement.com\/yogaology-ahimsa\/","title":{"rendered":"Ahimsa: 4 Ways to Practice Non Harm Daily"},"content":{"rendered":"

Let’s talk Ahimsa. <\/span><\/p>\n

Ahimsa is the first if the of Yamas <\/em>discussed in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras<\/a>. It’s a sanskrit word meaning to not cause harm or violence to yourself, to others, and animals in thoughts or action.<\/em> <\/span><\/p>\n

This is not just the physical act of harm, but even wishing harm or misfortune on others is not in line with ahimsa.<\/span><\/p>\n

Practicing ahimsa is the root of the spiritual practice of yoga.<\/strong> All of our actions create an impression in our psyche and the universe. Making the conscious choice for loving and positive action is the first step of practicing ahimsa.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Truth<\/a><\/p>\n

As I was cooking dinner last night, the thought of an old friend came to mind. We don’t talk or see each other very much anymore, and there’s just been a disconnection. Because of this, I noticed that my thought patterns were negative towards this person. <\/span><\/p>\n

I caught myself right in the act.<\/strong> This is NOT ahimsa.<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

In that instant, I took a minute and thought of three things amazing about this person<\/em>, and then I felt relief. <\/span><\/p>\n

Negative thoughts and actions are a reflection of how we live our lives and treat ourselves. With that knowledge, I have no choice but to take responsibility. It’s up to me to find a solution that will lead to happiness in every situation. <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Here are some ways we can practice Ahimsa:<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n

1<\/span><\/span><\/strong>. Eat a plant based\/vegetarian diet:<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

We are all sentient beings. Animals have consciousness, and also feel emotions such as pain, fear, sadness, and excitement. <\/span><\/p>\n

When we consume animals, we are also consuming the fear, pain, and depression that animal felt up to that point. That all becomes a part of us. Even if the animal is living in a cage-free zone, or on a farm where they are set free to roam, they are still being pulled from their happy life and killed in an unnatural, and in most cases<\/em>, a devastating way.<\/span><\/p>\n

In addition, it’s bad for the environment.<\/em> Factory farming is one of the biggest causes of global warming. <\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Someone said to me a few days ago, “I think eating meat is better than eating that fake meat.” I have to disagree. This isn’t a health issue, but the choice should be ethical. Once you make that ethical choice, you’re aligning yourself with ahimsa. <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"IMG_4232\"<\/a><\/p>\n

2. Be Good to the Earth: <\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Try to live each day as environmentally friendly as possible. <\/span><\/p>\n