Ahimsa
I’ve been reflecting on the yogic teachings of the yamas and niyamas and will be exploring them with you over the next few weeks. The first yama is Ahimsa, which is typically translated as non-violence. When we speak of non-violence we often initially think of physical violence which is easy to clearly discern. But there are many other kinds of violence that we can perpetrate both against others and ourselves through our thoughts, words, and actions. Practicing ahimsa is practicing compassion for all beings, including ourselves, and is an essential part of our true nature as human beings.
In our current political and cultural context it can be easy to be drawn into the swirl of objectification and dehumanization, which are a kind of violence, even as we try to stand up against it. Pausing and paying attention to our responses to people and information offers us the opportunity to notice when we have strayed from our true compassionate nature and begin again. Advocating for ourselves and others while practicing ahimsa allows us to stay true to ourselves and fill the world with compassionate energy as we work to stop the violence we are witnessing and create the world we want to see.
Please join me this weekend for Saturday Morning Yoga at 8:30 AM MT as we pause, listen to our bodies, and care for ourselves with lovingkindness.
Next week the Full Moon is in Aquarius. Please join me for a Full Moon Sound Bath Saturday, August 9 @ 3:00 PM MT either in person or virtually as we offer ourselves time and space to rest our bodies and spirits.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Full Moon Sound Baths
August 9, 3-4 PM
September 6, 3-4 PM
October 4, 3-4 PM
November 1, 3-4 PM
Mindfulness for Educators Retreat - MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
June 13-17, 2026
Remember to check out the FTBW Gear page and order your Finding the Balance Within, LLC logo gear. I love mine! Get yours and join the fun!
I would love to offer you an individual or group Reiki and/or Sound Healing session to support your own wellness journey. Contact me for scheduling options - lisa@findingthebalancewithin.com. Gift certificates to share with others are also available.
As always feel free to practice with previous recordings of Saturday Morning Classes as well as Evening Chair Yoga on my Youtube channel.You may also enjoy a growing variety of meditations I have available on the Insight Timer app that you can access for free, the latest is a Chakra Clearing Sound Bath. I’d appreciate your offering a rating on the meditations as well. Additionally, my friend Kate continues to offer live online classes Monday and Wednesday mornings from katekelly.yoga.
May you be safe, may you be happy, may you be healthy, may you live with ease. ~ Lisa ♥️