Ahimsa & Yoga: Practicing Self-Love on the Mat
In yoga, ahimsa (non-violence) is the first yama, guiding us to live with kindness. But often, we forget that this includes how we treat ourselves - our bodies, our thoughts, and our inner dialogue.
How often do you judge yourself during practice? Pushing too hard in a pose, criticizing your flexibility, or comparing yourself to others - these are all subtle forms of self-violence.
Bringing Ahimsa to Your Yoga Practice
Listen to Your Body: Respect where you are today. Modify poses when needed.
Breathe with Compassion: Let go of tension and self-judgment with each exhale.
Shift Your Inner Dialogue: Instead of I should be stronger, try I honor my journey.
Yoga is not about perfection; it's about presence. The more gently you treat yourself on the mat, the more self-love you cultivate off it.
Our mantra for the week is…
I choose kindness in my thoughts, words and actions - toward others and myself.
Our journaling prompts are…
Write about a recent moment where you showed kindness to yourself or someone else.
Reflect: How can you bring more kindness into your daily interactions?
And our meditation is…a meditation to connect to kindness and radical love.
Sit comfortably, close your eyes, and take a deep breath in. As you exhale, allow tension to melt away.
Gently bring your attention to your heart. Imagine a soft, warm light glowing there—radiating peace, love, and kindness.
Silently repeat the mantra:
I choose kindness in my thoughts, words, and actions - toward others and myself.
With each inhale, feel kindness filling you. With each exhale, send kindness into the world.
I choose kindness in my thoughts. Notice any self-judgment or worry. Release it. Replace it with gentleness.
I choose kindness in my words. Picture your words as ripples, spreading warmth and care.
I choose kindness in my actions. See yourself moving through the world with compassion, touching lives with love.
Breathe in kindness. Breathe out kindness.
When you’re ready, gently open your eyes, carrying this intention into your day.

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