Practicing Non-Violence

This past week in class I introduced the Eight-Fold Path of Yoga or the Eight Limbs of Yoga. Using a picture of a tree as a visual, we discussed these eight limbs briefly.

Specifically our class focused on the first limb Yama. This first limb speaks to the Universal Commandments as listed by Patanjali: Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharya, Apaigraha. In this class we focused on the first of the five, Ahimsa.

Ahimsa means non-violence. This non-violence relates to the ways in which we think, what we say, and how we act. For children it is easy enough for them to see how this relates to others. We have an understanding that we should be kind and loving toward those we interact with. To illustrate this I told the story of one of the greatest teachers of non-violence Lord Buddha. The story speaks to how Buddha when coming face to face with an angry elephant, charging in his direction to trample him did not run. He did not fight. He simply held out his hand in a gesture of non-violence and the elephant not only stopped in his tracks, but kneeled at his feet. I use this illustration as a way to get children to understand that we need not argue or fight and often times the way to peace and understanding is truly through showing kindness.

A harder point for many of us to understand is non-violence toward ourselves. How easy it is for us to quickly get caught up in demeaning our own selves. We don't like our hair, we don't care for the way we look, or walk, or talk, or, or, or. The list goes on. As adults we can continue to struggle with this. So, it is important for children to realize early this way of thinking and how to work toward showing non-violence to ourselves in this manner. We need to teach children to be accepting of who they are and love who they are -- just as they are. Here I told a Hindu story of The Cracked Pot. This story tells of a farmer who carried two pots to the river each day -- one perfect and the other cracked. The cracked pot knowing of his "short coming" felt bad for not being able to hold all of the water he should as he leaked half of the water to the ground from the walk to the river back to the farmers home. He decides to tell the farmer that because of this he should get rid of him. The farmer tells the cracked pot that he long ago realized how special this cracked pot was. He tells the pot that he planted flowers on the side that he carries the cracked pot and everyday the pot waters beautiful flowers that farmer enjoys on his dinner table every night. Finding the good and sometimes making the good are things children and adults should practice daily.

Our asana practice included poses to deal with strength, flexibility, and grace. When practicing Warrior I, we said the affirmation I am strong. In Warrior III we spread our arms to send love to those around us. In Tree, we swayed back and forth with the understanding of strength and flexibility. In Eagle, we recognize our accomplishments so we may soar above the clouds. Dancer, we are graceful and loving.

We ended our class in savasana with a visualization called Power Shield. This visualization asks children to see in their mind their dreams, personal fears, skills, and wishes. I then asked the children to draw their own power shield using the images they saw to represent the above or to write words for what they saw. Children drew and wrote about parents arguing, fear of ghosts, wanting happiness for their family, being different, the color red for strength and love, wanting to be an actress, and so on. This is a powerful exercise and it is a wonderful way for children to begin to discuss what they are feeling inside. I ask the children to hang their shield in place they can see so that it remains in their mind and is then usable to them.

Understanding ourselves can be a difficult step, but it is often the step that will help us to really begin understanding and loving those around us with a full heart. Practice daily Ahimsa by first loving yourself.

Namaste,
Candace