Ahimsa is generally considered the first Yama, which is the first of the 8 limbs of Ashtaga Yoga. Ahima can be characterized as not causing pain or harm. Often Ahimsa is associated with treating ourselves and others with kindness. On the Mat, one may be able to practice Ahimsa with not pushing through poses. If there is a feeling of pain or tension that is not natural to move through, then take notice, be mindful and back off away from the edge. Finding a space with more ease, yet still vigorous and strenuous can have more benefits in the long and short run than forcing through discomfort. In this way, we honor the process of the asana and not the goal of a final posture. Our practice becomes more natural and transformational and we begin to find our ability to eventually go deeper into asanas then if we were to push our way through.
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