Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras (an ancient, foundational yoga philosophy text) describe an eight-fold path as a guide to live a meaningful and purposeful life. 

1. Yamas (social and ethical restraints)

   1. Ahimsa (nonviolence)

   2. Satya (truthfulness)

   3. Asteya (non-stealing)

   4. Brahmacharya (moderation)

   5. Aparagriha (non-coveting)

2. Niyama (personal observances)

   1. Saucha (cleanliness)

   2. Santosha (contentment)

   3. Tapas (zeal, austerity)

   4. Svadhyaya (self-study)

   5. Ishvara Pranidhana (surrender, devotion)

3. Asana (physical poses)

4. Pranayama (breathing)

5. Prayahara (withdrawal of sense)

6. Dharana (concentration)

7. Dhyana (meditation)

8. Samadhi (enlightenment, harmony in union with the divine/universal consciousness)

A post about ahimsa feels timely. In Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras (foundational yoga philosophy text), the eight-fold path to living a meaningful/purposeful life, ahimsa is the first principle. Ahimsa is translated as non-harm or non-violence. Why might ahimsa be listed as the first principle in this guide?

Humans are, by nature, pack animals. In the science world, we are learning about the huge impact and benefit of community on mental health, especially as we age. Therefore it makes sense that the first principle for building a healthy, thriving community would be cultivating peace and safety for everyone. 

When you find a sense of safety and peace in yourself, you can provide that for those around you. When those around you reflect peace and safety back to you, you have room to grow and flourish. When we all hold this space for each other, our community is strong and healthy. Find your peace here at YOCO, so you can support your community here, and beyond this studio. 

Ahimsa is not only about feeling peaceful. Sometimes it requires accountability. Sometimes it requires discomfort. Sometimes it requires a fight for justice and rights.

“No one of us can be free until everybody is free."- Maya Angelou