My focus in the groups and programs I provide through my business, Samya Yoga Healing, have a theme lately – taking responsibility for our reactions to reduce violence towards ourselves and in relationships. It’s not surprising since my personal commitment over the next couple of years is towards my own ability to communicate in a more compassionate manner. My intention is to cultivate ‘love in action’, which is the definition that resonates with me for Ahimsa.
LOVE IN ACTION
Ahimsa is the first Yama, or ethical principle, in Raja Yoga – Yoga for the mind. Yamas means to restrain so the 5 Yamas are guides to restrain the mind and subsequent behaviors that increase inner suffering. They are keys in how to face negativity and suffering in the world. Ahimsa also means non-harm or non-violence. It is stated in Patanjali Yoga Sutras that one who perfects ahimsa has powerful energy that anyone who comes near them forgets any violent thoughts. Wow, now that’s an amazing influence on the world.
I can’t imagine what the mind of a person in that state would be like! I do know that as I practice daily to cultivate ‘love in action,’ my mind has become a bit more calm, less likely to judge, and rests in loving compassion more and more. It’s not an easy practice but I can say it has helped me to become a better person. So I’m motivated to continue and see where the practice leads me.
When we are met with negativity in situations, our reactions reflect the state of our minds. What is your typical response to negative situations? Does this reflect how you generally feel about yourself?
LASHING OUT
A friend was just sharing about witnessing another person escalate into judgement, name-calling, and negativity because of their child being harmed at school. They went into a protective, Mama Bear mode. Of course it makes sense that a parent wants to protect their child, feeling powerless when they can’t, and possibly feeling like a failure when their child does experience pain.
When we end up being casualties of our own emotional reactions, like a tsunami, no ones’ needs end up getting met and more destruction ensues. Our unresolved hurt ends up harming others.
I’m giving an example of a parent-child relationship, but this can happen to any of us, in any relationship if we aren’t facing and taking responsibility for our reactions.
Just because this happens, doesn’t mean we are ‘bad’ or ‘wrong.’ To me, when I see an intense emotional reaction from someone, I know there’s a lot of hurt bottled up inside that has nothing to do with the situation at hand.
CULTIVATING A MIND GEARED TOWARDS ‘LOVE IN ACTION’
So what to do? How do we create a world where there is more empathy, compassion, and understanding…less anger, violence, and fear?
Start with ourselves.
Start with our reactions.
Here are 3 past blogs that give some great ideas about what this looks like, reflections, and practices:
- Two Yoga Principles For Emotional Reactions
- The Chain Of Anger – A Yoga Perspective
- Wisdom Gained From Relationship
The most empowering action we can take is owning our part to open up choice. When we have a choice, instead of feeling stuck or trapped, actions from that space tend to yield more positive results.
There’s nothing wrong with our reactions! How we use them, though, will lift us up or tear us down.
Shanti.
P.S. In a few weeks, the start of the next Inner Roadmap™ Program cohort will happen. If you desire a less violent world, want to feel good about how you handle challenging situations in your life, and are tired of feeling powerless…this program just might be for you. Feel free to schedule a free Connection Call with me to find out more.