Victoria Klein

A month ago, I wrote about the yama I chose to focus on during Yoga Teacher Training. For a refresher, here is what ahimsa (the yama I chose) is all about:

Ahimsa is often translated as “non-harming”, but can also be seen as embracing compassion and love for all. It requires the belief that we are all one, cultivating an absence of anger, jealousy, and hatred. Feelings are welcomed not as failures, but an opportunity to seek their root causes.

“I am gentle to all beings.”

“I easily forgive myself and others.”

“I am free of fear and anger.”

“I move away from judging to loving.”

“I embrace all, trusting the Diving flow.”

So, the question begs to be asked: How am I doing!?

I’d say that I’m doing quite well - even better than I expected.

Naturally, life presents challenging moments where it would be easy to just a) get angry or b) walk away + give up. In the past month, during those moments when I find my patience + compassion deeply challenged, I instead focus on my breath + let the situation take its course.

Maybe it is just me, but 2012 has been the most transformation-rich + rapidly-changing year of my life - and it is only 3 months in! In that small amount of time, so many decisions have been made that will impact my life for many years to come (all positive!) + help continue moving my life in healthy directions. 

With a history of anxiety + depression, I have no idea how I’ve been able to keep up with all the changes + not simply turn away from the world like a turtle hiding inside its shell … but I think Yoga is a major factor. 

My personal Yoga practice + my dedication to a new career (as a Yoga teacher) has reignited my passion for life + all the world has to offer. Yes, I still have fears + openly admit to being envious of already established Yoga teachers … but then I remind myself of the vibrant life I have lead thus far - a life that has lead me up to the point I am at today.

No matter how much we try to control the flow of our lives + those around us, surprises (both good + bad) will happen all the time. Instead, life is about finding + pursuing things we are passionate about, embracing the variety of people/places/beliefs there are on this spectacular planet, + going with the flow (we can’t hear that enough!).

I’ll be writing even more about my ahimsa efforts over the next few months of Yoga Teacher Training + beyond.

How can/do YOU practice more compassion with yourself + others?