Ahimsa 

Non-Violence

1st of the Yamas

It is the backbone or the life-preserver of the Yamas. If you can't remember much, remember this one. It means non-violence. If you think of this in terms of thoughts, speech and action, then you've got some searching to do. Also, if you think of it in the range from thinking negative thoughts about someone (or yourself) to the other extreme, of killing someone.

More importantly, it is what you do. 

Do you remember the feeling of falling madly in love with someone? How all that they said or did (even their faults) were amazing, or at least quaint? How do we get there with ourselves in our yoga practice, both on and off the mat?
Can we take the risk to be open enough to love ourselves (even our faults) for who we are?
-t.

Thank you Rachel Hinsley for starting this conversation in my head!