Telling Your Story - An Act of Love
For years I’ve understood intellectually that Ahimsa (non-violence) is the keystone principle in Yoga’s ethical teachings of the Yamas and Niyamas. Exploring Ahimsa for this month's theme has opened up a whole new dimension for me. It’s as if I’ve seen a poster on the door and read it over and over and at last I found the key and I’m walking through the door into a new dimension of love. I’ll share a few of the gems that are creating inspiration for me.
One is the exploration of powerlessness and the role it plays in creating violent actions. When we remember we always have a choice, we feel more empowered. On the most basic level, we can choose to take a deep breath to nourish and calm our bodies. We also have the opportunity to change the story we are telling ourselves about our powerlessness. So often our sense of powerlessness is rooted in stories from our past. Though not easy, these moments of recognizing our sense of powerlessness are opportunities for growth.
Love is at the core of non-violence and the key is practicing self-love. As uncomfortable as it may be to face, how we treat ourselves is how we will treat others. Our ability to accept all parts of ourselves is what allows us to fully love and accept others.
Harm in the form of “helping others” often happens when we struggle to fully accept ourselves. Unfortunately this form of care often has an intention of fixing – rather than truly being present – and comes from an attitude that we know what’s best for others. Another form of harm is when we worry about others. This sends a direct message that we don’t have faith or confidence in them.
Compassion is a beautiful expression of Ahimsa. It asks us to lean in and stay curious and present with what we don’t understand. Compassion calls forth a response that comes from our whole being with a presence that invites others to do the same. Ultimately it’s a profound act of love. The role compassion and specifically self-compassion has played in my willingness to really let these teachings in is becoming more and more clear. The more I can see myself clearly, the more I can absorb what I’m ready to learn and able to transform.
Much love,
Sue