However, Ahimsa is also a practice of self-compassion too, and I can see how it applies to myself. I came to a dedicated yoga practice later in life – with its advent of physical restrictions and a body shaped by the past 62 years’ environment and lifestyle. So certain poses – or asanas- haven’t been easy – but over time and practice, I have developed them into a style to suit my body and as a teacher, now encourage others to do the same. At first, I wasn’t happy with my early efforts at yoga- but gradually I accepted it and am happy with my practice, compared to earlier days where I would get frustrated and angry with myself.
Anger causes tension, which can transfer to the physical. If you have physical tension, it does not help with yoga practice! I also now realise that my body can be different in yoga practice day to day – one day I can get into certain asanas easier than others; my balance, for instance, may be easier one day in Tree pose, then the following day I find it difficult to remain in that pose without wobbling! It is what it is that day, I now have self compassion and accept it – I now know the difference between just trying to deepen a pose a little and not be held back by previous lack of confidence, compared to when my body is telling me it needs to hold back a little that day because it is tired. And if it is tired, I am accepting of that.
In yoga classes, I sometimes see people struggling to achieve certain asanas as they feel they ought to. In my classes, I make sure that students know we are not here to make picture perfect designer shapes, and its very much their body, their yoga. I look at ways at offering options in class, to suit all levels of experience, to help people feel included and valued and to feel they will come to no harm in class. I am here to hold a safe space, not one that encourages students to try out a high intensity yoga flow which may demonstrate my skills, but which they are not ready for, gives them little enjoyment and may put them at risk.
