Living our Yoga: On and off the mat.
- dlambell4
- Mar 7
- 3 min read
Something I have been focusing on since I last wrote a blog post has been living my yoga - both on and off the mat. The yoga practice is a key part it of course, but it actually goes way beyond our time on the mat. The physical practice (the asana) is one part of the bigger yoga picture which you may have heard of as The Eight Limbs of Yoga (see visual I painted below).
The Eight Limbs of Yoga outlined by Patanjali, contain eight steps or limbs as a guide to living a disciplined and spiritual life. These include the five Yamas, ethical guidelines that encourage harmony with ourselves and the world around us. The first of the Yamas being being Ahimsa (non-harming), which feels even more
relevant than ever right now.
How we can practice ahimsa in everyday life
By focusing on ahimsa, it reminds us to invite kindness towards ourselves as
well as others.
Non-harming means more than avoiding physical violence. It calls for a more accepting approach in thoughts, words, and actions.
This encourages us to:
Speak kindly to ourselves and others
Act with compassion toward others, even in difficult situations
Recognise the impact of our choices on the environment and living beings
For example, choosing to listen patiently when someone shares their struggles reflects non-harming. It creates space for connection.
Giving a friend or colleague a compliment when you have noticed something
that you feel could be celebrated. Often a small comment can go such a long
way to boosting someone's day.
Or perhaps you're doing your bit for the environment by opting for sustainable products or focusing on recycling.
By focusing on ahimsa this also means being mindful of how we treat ourselves.
Try, where you can, to practice giving yourself some of the kindness that you
give to others and this could be through showing a little more self-acceptance
and being grateful for what we can do, rather than focusing on what we can't.
Bringing ahimsa to your yoga practice
The yoga mat is a perfect place to focus on non-harming, physically and
mentally. Many students feel pressure to achieve certain postures in a yoga
class, sometimes pushing their bodies beyond comfort. This can lead to injury, frustration and/or comparison.
In my adult yoga classes, a common theme and message shared throughout emphasises non-striving, encouraging students to:
Listen to their bodies, notice and respect their limits
Modify shapes to suit individual needs e.g. using bricks or lowering to the
knees
Avoid comparing themselves to others by really drawing our attention
inwards (Pratyahara - the fifth limb of yoga)
This approach creates an inclusive environment where growth happens
naturally, not through forcing the body into shapes.
By accepting ourselves, it means embracing who we are without judgment or giving yourself unrealistic expectations. Using a gentle inner voice as opposed to a critical inner voice.
It also means recognising that progress in yoga and life is not linear. Some days will feel easier than others, and that’s okay.
Practical Tips related to Self-Acceptance
Create a moment of calm in your day that includes movement followed by
rest (this could be 10 minutes of yoga shapes before you go to sleep)
Use affirmations that reinforce your worth and encourage compassion - top
tip, use these with children too!
Practice journaling by noting down how you are feeling, and taking a
moment to celebrate the positives in your day as well as noticing any
negative feelings. Remembering to treat ourselves with kindness.
It reminds us that yoga is not just a practice but a way of being.
If you would like to come along to a Rewilding Yoga class, there are weekly
adult yoga sessions on a Saturday morning in Pampisford at 10am as well as
monthly family yoga sessions (children aged 3-11 years with a parent/carer) in Sawston.
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