So many of us are disturbed right now at the constant news of mass shootings in our country. One can feel helpless considering these intensely sad and horrific acts. Yoga is always there to provide us with guidance when we have nowhere to turn for answers to life’s
difficult challenges. It is the practice that allows us to turn darkness to light, to lift us up, to
raise our vibration.
Ahimsa is the first principle of Yoga and many of the ancient Indian religions. It translates to
non-violence. Ahimsa is the Hindu belief that advises one to have love, genuine care, and compassion towards all living beings. Ahimsa is non-violence in mind, speech, and action towards any living creature.
The Hindus believe that every living thing is an expression of the divine, so to harm anyone or anything would be injuring the divine itself. Life is sacred and should be revered. The
philosophy teaches us that we are all connected.
The idea is that if one person practices Ahimsa, then it will have a positive effect on the
next person, and so on. It is also believed that one small act of violence can lead to a
larger act of violence.
If you are feeling helpless in response to mass shootings, Yoga will encourage you to begin practicing Ahimsa in your own life and so that you can shine brightly and connect to your joy. And trust that it will spread out and help to increase peace and harmony. If we were all to practice Ahimsa, violence would cease.
Here are a few ideas to get you started.
– In Mind – Do not think bad or malicious thoughts of yourself or others.
– In Speech – Do not to use violent language, gossip, or talk badly about yourself or
others.
– In Action – Do not harm or hurt others, avoid injury to yourself, any person or creature.
The ancient tradition of Yoga provides the answers to all of life’s challenges. They are often
simple yet profound. The hard part is implementing these practices into our life.
I encourage you to start with something small. Self-Love is a wonderful place to begin. Do something loving for yourself or be kind to someone who you feel maybe doesn’t deserve it, offer a smile to a stranger, listen to someone you know is lonely. Know that these small acts are powerful and can lead to a greater level of love and compassion in the world.

Yoga tells us the light is there we just need to turn it on.
Om Shanti
Peace, Peace, Peace
With Love,
Lauren

I also invite you to practice this Ahimsa Meditation from the great teacher Maya Tiwari
Listen Here