Ahimsa - Kindness

Ahmisa is the first of the Yoga Yamas (Restraints) and Niyamas (positive observances). Ahimsa is often translated as non-violence, however that phrase is not quite the essence of it.

Richard Freeman uses the words, kindness and love as an alternative translation of Ahimsa. To me, this is more meaningful in every day life. Asking yourself if your thoughts/ words/ actions are kind and loving is somehow easier than asking if they are non-violent.

At the time of writing we are starting month 6 of COVID-19 lock-down. We have gone through the following stages:

• We can stay inside for a couple of weeks, no problem

• This is all a bit strange, but lets stick with it

• Yipee, lock-down is lifting!

• Ok maybe lock-down isn't lifting quite as quickly as we thought

• I'm tired of this now, when will it end?

However, as we get tired and probably a bit cross sometimes, we need to make sure we are practicing Ahimsa with others and ourselves.

Whether this is not pushing ourselves too far in our physical asana practice (been there, done that!) Or not expecting as much as usual from our work colleagues if we sense they are a bit stressed. It may even be getting out in the fresh air a bit more if we're working at home a lot and getting some exercise.

The reality is, this virus isn't going to go away any time soon. It's not going to be kind to anyone. Therefore, we need to pick up the kindness baton and prove our worth - to ourselves and other people.

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