Of the many teachings in yoga, the Yamas, (the ethical guidelines that help us live in harmony with ourselves and the world) begin with one that stands above all others: Ahimsa, or non-violence.
It’s no coincidence that Ahimsa comes first. It’s the foundation upon which every other Yama is built. Without it, the rest begin to crumble. Ahimsa invites us to live with awareness - to recognize the impact of our thoughts, words, and actions, and to move through life in a way that causes the least amount of harm.
Ahimsa is my guiding light - the compass I return to again and again as I walk my yogic path.
Not just as a yoga teacher, but as a mother, daughter, partner, friend, and perhaps most importantly, as a fellow human in this shared world. It informs how I move, how I speak, how I listen, and how I love.
Why I Choose Peace, Love, and Kindness as My Core
- Because energy ripples outward. Every word, thought, and choice sends waves into the world. I want mine to bring calm, not more chaos.
- Because kindness heals more deeply than judgment ever could. Whether I’m guiding a client or comforting a loved one, compassion opens doors that criticism only closes.
- Because love is the purest form of strength. It’s not passive or naïve - it’s the quiet power that transforms everything it touches.
- Because peace begins within. The more I practice gentleness toward myself - my body, my emotions, my mistakes - the more naturally it extends to others.
- Because the world doesn’t need more noise; it needs more grace. In a culture of constant moving, going, and reactivity, choosing calm presence is a radical act.
Ahimsa reminds me that yoga is not just about what happens on the mat. It’s about how we choose to live - how we treat ourselves, one another, and the Earth. It’s about remembering that every moment offers us a choice: to react or to respond, to divide or to connect, to harden or to soften.
Here’s Your Invitation
Pause for a moment today and notice:
- Where can you choose peace instead of tension?
- Where can you offer understanding instead of judgment?
- Where can you extend love - especially to yourself?
When we each choose even one small act of non-harming, we shift the collective energy toward healing.