One of the yamas in yoga is ahimsa. Ahimsa suggests that we embrace an attitude of compassion and non-violence toward all living things. This includes ourselves. We must be kind to ourselves, non- violent toward ourselves. But the concept extends far beyond actions or deeds. It casts a larger net to include our thoughts, engaging in gossip, feelings of jealousy or disdain. In other words, it means living life and engaging in relationships in a positive, non-harmful, nurturing way. Banishing negative thoughts is not always our first reaction, but if we make a concerted effort to use the technique of Pratipaksha Bhavanam, the shifting of negative thoughts to opposite thoughts, we are more able to follow a yogic life and achieve a balanced mind and spirit.
I was pondering the idea of friendship and how we treat our friends and loved ones with compassion and support, and comparing that with how we treat ourselves. We can be very cruel towards ourselves. We are all guilty of denigrating criticism of ourselves, unconscious as it may be. But it’s an unhealthy and destructive way of being, one is which we dishonor ourselves.
If we counted the number of negative things we think or whisper to ourselves on a daily basis, one would be shocked. We say things to ourselves that we would never utter to our friends, or even strangers for that matter. Would we dare to tell a friend that she is an idiot or that he is stupid? Or looks like a wreck? Or has gotten so fat? Or is a failure? Yet we are all guilty of having these types of conversations with ourselves!
If the concept of “you are what you think” is in fact a reality, and I believe it is, then we are cutting a destructive path with these critical thoughts. Rather, if we have a set of affirmations that we repeat to ourselves each day, then we cultivate peace and happiness in our lives. We reinforce our positives and change our perspectives, our outlooks on life.
The same applies to other human beings. Practicing ahimsa and using the technique of Pratipaksha Bhavanam means treating all beings with understanding and consideration. If you don’t understand their actions, try to see their situation from a different perspective and if you can’t, just think of blessing them and releasing them from whatever is causing their pain which manifests in their actions.
Do you have an affirmation that you say to yourself each day? Perhaps you have several. Begin the practice of ahimsa by showing compassion toward yourselves, by starting your day with gentle, generous and supportive thoughts. Establishing a mindset of self-acceptance, love and harmlessness.
What works for me whenever I am having negative thoughts is to stop myself in my tracks and say to myself, “Janice, change your mind set! Think positive thoughts or change the subject of your thoughts.”
I have a “mind picture” that I always focus on when I have negative thoughts. I shift my focus to that special place where I feel most at peace – early morning, opening my shuttered windows overlooking the little bay of Portofino, the centuries old wisteria cascading down the wall beneath my balcony, the sleepy fishing village just beginning to awaken as the fishermen bring in their catch. I think of the crisp air and the rising sun casting its early rays on the placid sea, the sailboats gently bobbing, the birds singing their morning chants. I think of the feeling of abundance in my heart, of serenity, happiness, and gratitude that I have one more day to experience this magnificent life.
I challenge each of us to adopt this practice from the time we arise until we retire each day. If necessary, wear an elastic band around your wrist and snap it each time you catch yourself thinking negative thoughts. Break the habit! Break the mold! Life is so much richer when we are free of the negativity.
We are all children of God. Appreciate your existence and respect that of other beings. Honor yourself as you do others. Be charitable towards yourself and strangers, as you would be to loved ones. Adopt a mantra that releases you from a negative environment.
It’s never too late to begin practicing. Each day is a new canvas on which to create our masterpiece called ahimsa!
- Jill Jepson
- Laraine Herring
- Janet Conner
- Shery Russ
- Julia Cameron
- Julia Cameron
- Julia Cameron
- Dave Ellis
- T.K.V. Desikachar
- Donna Farhi
- B.K.S. Iyengar
- David Frawley
- Amadea Morningstar
- Amadea Morningstar
- Shalila Sharamon and Bodo J. Baginsky
- Annie Hawes
- David Shalleck
- Marlena de Blasi
– Byron Katie
– Nathaniel Branden
– Nathaniel Branden
– Dennis Prager
– Harriet Lerner
– Scott Beck
– Rhonda Byrne (book and DVD)
– Eckhart Tolle
– Elizabeth Gilbert
– Dr. Wayne Dyer
– Lynn Grabhorn
– M.J.Ryan
– Don Miguel Ruiz
– Don Miguel Ruiz
– Martha Beck
– Masaru Emotu
– Martha Beck
– Louise Hay