Practicing Non-Violence, aka Ahimsa

For the next two months, I will feature some fundamentals of yogic philosophy here on the blog.

Many of my students have heard me talk about the Yamas and the Niyamas -- sorta the 10 commandments of yoga. Today I'll discuss Ahimsa, or non-violence/non-harming.

Ahimsa is not harming any living being by speech, thought or action. Having awareness and gentleness in action, thought and speech. Since violence rises out of fear, anger, ignorance, restlessness, or selfishness, let yourself practice compassion, love, understanding, patience, worthiness. Avoid blaming and judging. Apply this to how you treat yourself and others.

I try to bring the principle of Ahimsa into my daily life, as well as my yoga practice. At home, I do my best not to yell (not always easy with a preschooler), and I never, ever hit. Unkind thoughts and words are harder to tame, though. When I hear myself being judgmental of other people, I try to see things from their perspective. When I find myself being judgmental of myself (all too often) I try to counter it with kindness. Life is a constant process of self-improvement. But we must be kind and accepting of ourselves as well.

The yogis often carry the principle of Ahimsa into their diets -- choosing a vegetarian diet so that other beings are not harmed in order to nourish ourselves. I realize that the vegetarian diet does not work for many people. Still, adding an occasional meat-free meal to one's routine can have all sorts of health benefits.

You can find some of my favorite vegetarian and vegan recipes on my food blog, http://eatbaconbernstein.blogspot.com/

Yoga Wisdom

Some of my favorite yoga-related insights.

The highest quality of a spiritual seeker is self observation without criticism.
- Swami Kripalu

Emotion is energy in the body with a label from the mind.

Meditation is like watching fish in an aquarium. You can watch the fish go by, but you don’t have to get in and talk to or swim after them.

In yoga class, as well as in meditation, just be a “C” student. Just show up & keep showing up.

New & Improved Website

Visit www.hellokezia.com for up-to-date information on my yoga classes and workshops, my Gentle Yoga CD, and Yoga at the River's Edge. You will also find resources such as downloadable info sheets on meditation, yogic breathing, the basic warm-ups we do at the beginning of every class, and much more. Check it out!

Pre-Holiday RESTORATIVE YOGA, Nov. 20 & 22

RESTORATIVE YOGA with Kezia

Friday, November 20, 7-9 pm (3 SPACES AVAILABLE)
Sunday, November 22, 2-4 pm (5 SPACES AVAILABLE)

A wonderful way to center yourself before the holiday rush!

All workshops will be held at my private yoga studio in Marshfield. The cost is $30 per person. Pre-registration and advance payment are required. Sometimes known as "guided napping," restorative yoga is a gentle but powerful practice -- perfect for deep relaxation, healing and stress relief. Pillows and folded blankets are employed to support your body so that you can hold the restorative yoga postures for a long time -- typically 5-10 minutes. You get the benefits of an intense yoga practice without having to use much effort! The class also includes warm-up postures, meditation, and yogic breathing (pranayama). After a restorative yoga session, most people feel rested, content, and more connected to themselves. Space is limited to 7 people per session. These workshops fill up fast. Email hellokezia@verizon.net to sign up.

Meditation Basics Workshop 11/8

Join Kezia Bacon-Bernstein for a MEDITATION BASICS workshop on Sunday, November 8 from 1:30-3:30 pm at Dragonfly Yoga Studio in Marshfield.

Designed especially for beginners and those curious about meditation, this workshop will include several different approaches to meditation, as well as gentle stretching to prepare the body for sitting, and guided relaxation. There will also be a brief discussion of the physical, mental and emotional benefits of meditation.

The cost is $35 per person. Advance payment is requested. To secure your space, please send a check to DragonflyYoga Studio, Suite 11, The Freight House, 844 Webster Street, Marshfield, MA 02050). Can't commit just yet? Limited space MAY be available on the day of the workshop.