The practice of Non-violence: Ahimsa

Umaine Farmington Lacrosse

Giving 100 percent in your yoga practice. 

When you give 100 percent in your yoga practice or any activity at all, sit ups, running, lifting, raking, sports, crocheting, housecleaning, ahhhh the list could continue forever, can actually cause injury, not healing. 

Our society often believes that giving 100 percent means going all out with extremely effort, tear through the discomfort, fear, boredom and distractions.  The 'No pain, no gain' theory is still being sung to some of us each and every day.  The downside of all of this is injury. 

Giving 100 percent means to be present...at any given moment.  Whether you are on the field or on the side line waiting to go in...you are focused, alert and in the game.  You can turn on the heightened awareness, focus only on what needs to get done and move forward.  Apply this to your careers, recreation, relationships and health as well.

Who pushes us to our edge?
We should be pushing ourselves to our edge.  And that point is different every day.  Each time you come to your 'mat', you should ask yourself, "Where am I today?"  "How am I feeling?  What parts of my body need extra attention?  Where should I set my intention for the next hour?"

Don't look at yesterday. 

For those of us that suffer from an injury or disease, we need to pay attention to this awareness with heightened attention.  Honor yourself.  Take care of yourself.  Push yourself to your own edge.  Trust your inner guidance.  The yoga instructor should know your overall challenges, but they do not know your day to day inner most challenges.   Sometimes these 'inner most challenges' arise during the practice.  Listen to them.  Trust your gut. 

The Yoga Sutras describes and provides a plan or a map for living.  This plan has eight limbs, the first being the yamas.  The yamas give us five moral restraints.  Ahisma, the first of the yamas , teaches us about non-violence.  This is about taking care of yourself.  You do not hurt others nor do you hurt yourself.  Protect yourself by staying present, alert and open.  Back off when you need to, push when you must. 

Now, go and give it 100 percent today.  And remember, you have everything you need. 
Enjoy the journey and stay safe.


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Janine is a yoga instructor and Life Coach practicing from her home studio. She invites students to her studio for 1-1 personal sessions, as well as traveling to the home for small groups. She leads educational coaching series along with personal 1-1 life coaching using the Co-Active Coaching techniques. You can reach her at 207-251-9577