Session 1: Taking yoga off the mat with Ahimsa

What does it mean to take Yoga off the mat? In this session we will look at the concept of Ahimsa from the Yoga Sutras of Patanajail. This book was written over 2000 years ago and guides us through the practice of known as Raja Yoga 'Yoga of the mind'. In the Yoga Sutras, Patanjali introduces us to an 8 step guide to yoga. The first step is known as Yama, attitudes towards others around ourselves and our environment. The first Yama is Ahimsa, known as kindness. 

In this session we remember that we must be kind to ourselves to be able to be kind to others. How do we integrate kindness and non harming in our yoga practice on the mat and off the mat? 

We close the session with a love and kindness meditation. 

Task: Practicing Ahimsa off the mat and in daily life. 

1. Choose one way to be extra kind to yourself this week. This could be any simple action such as a luxurious bath, going for a lovely walk in nature or going to bed early. 
2. Take one act of kindness towards another person or being in your community. For example call someone who maybe lonely, feed the birds or give to charity.