ahimsa – non-violence

 

Yogic philosophy includes Yamas (disciplines) and Niyamas (observances). Ahimsa is the Yama of non-violence. Each day, we commit small acts of violence, usually without being conscious of our doing so, and often without considering that our thoughts, words or actions can be construed as violent.

 

To begin a conscious awareness of personal non-violence, I start with myself. How do I treat myself? What types of movies or shows do I watch? What books or magazines do I read? What do I choose to put into my consciousness? How do I speak? Loudly and violently? Or with a peaceful, calm voice? Do I eat food that is healthful, non-processed, or do I harm my body with artificial non-foods?

 

Part of my practice of Ahimsa for my self includes managing the spondylolisthesis and fibromylagia that impacts every minute of every day of my life. I need to treat my body with kindness, with love, with care. When I fail to do so, I am in huge amounts of pain and distress. I haven’t been taking care of my body the last couple of weeks. There has been so much to do at work (everyone is severely overtasked). I’ve been working very long hours, not taking breaks, sitting for hours and hours without moving. The stress has been building up as more and more work is added to my overflowing plate. I have negative bandwidth – and I have an ever-growing list of work to do. My body is paying the price and it’s a very high one.

 

According to the International Labour Association:

Chronic workplace stress has been linked to cardiovascular disease, muscoloskeletal and psychological disorders, workplace injuries, ulcers and in severe cases, suicide.

 

The long hours and the stress have turned my body into an ocean of pain. My left hip feels as though a hundred sharp knives have been jabbed into it; sitting still is incredibly painful and each shift to get comfortable stabs one of those knives further into the hip. My left leg keeps going numb. When I get up from my chair after a couple of hours of focused work, I have to stand very slowly, very carefully, wincing as the knives stab, startling when the bones shift and crack. I move gently and carefully to begin walking.

 

I must refocus and practice Ahimsa for my body, and better manage the spondylolisthesis and fibromyalgia. A few years ago, I was working long hours on a major project and overused my right hand. The result: I now have a 3% permanent disability in my shoulder that impairs some movement and is painful at times. Permanently. It won’t ever get better.

 

I don’t want to commit further violence to my body. I don’t want any further pain or mobility restrictions. My long-term health is more important than any work that will be forgotten or changed five years from now. I have to get up at least once every hour or so and not sit for extended stretches of time. I must practice Ahimsa for my self. Non-violence begins with me.

 

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