The Sanskrit word Ahimsa (non-violence) points to a way of life where all beings honor themselves and others by refraining from violence. The choice of kindness, compassion and love stems from and is rooted in Ahimsa. From a yogic perspective this idea of non-violence is two fold. The obvious superficial level of Ahimsa is to simply refrain from physically injuring self or others, but to achieve a deeper level of Ahimsa self-inquiry is necessary.

Self-inquiry reveals that violence may be hidden in the shadows of our conscious and sub-conscious mind. We may self-righteously turn on the TV and open the newspaper, exploding with crime, horror and violence, and say to ourselves “that is not of my doing.” I invite you to dig a little deeper and join me in asking the following questions: Where is there a spark of violence in me? Do I make healthy food and beverage choices? Am I forgiving of myself and others? Am I kind and compassionate in my thoughts, intentions motives and actions?

Many times we are not even aware of the violence raging within our own being. One poignant example is a simple story about being cut off in traffic that a student shared with me. After a truck cut her off on the freeway, a silent rage surged. Upon noticing this reaction she immediately offered herself a breath of forgiveness, kindness and compassion. As if by magic, she explained, in this simple offering, and through the act of awareness, suddenly her rage softened and then faded into peace. With this peace came a change in perspective. She wondered where the person behind the wheel of the truck was headed in such a hurry. She imagined many different destinations. He is late for work and doesn¹t want to get fired. Her child is very sick and needs to get to the hospital. He found out that he won the lottery and is on his way to retrieve his winnings. Or, she is simply inconsiderate and rude, in which case, she truly needs love and compassion.

The invitation this week is to simply explore from a place of non-judgment, compassion and love where violence may be hidden in our lives. With this inquiry, and new found awareness, we then have the opportunity to make more peaceful loved based choices.

My experience of Ahimsa is that the simple intention to be less violent in my thoughts, intentions and actions is a doorway to peace.

We can change the world one yogi at a time.

All my Love Namaste Chrystal Rae