Flying down the stairs=not Ahimsa

I had so many things on my to-do list today. And now instead, I am doing nothing. I was rushing to get everything done this morning that I literally jumped-ran down the stairs and sprained my ankle. Landed on my butt at the bottom of the stars and everything! Luckily it doesn't seem like a bad sprain and I was able to hobble around to finish the most important errand as well as make it to the acupuncture clinic. But here comes my lesson on Ahimsa...

I was so angry this morning because I had all these errands to run before 2pm. Things were taking longer than I expected, I had to make an extra trip to fix something that was over looked and ultimately I was annoyed, frustrating and running back and forth all over the city. Ok running and biking. When I was biking I was being so super careful, when I was flying down the stairs, not so much. So in the rush, I forgot to be kind and not violent towards my ankle. Now I'm laying down with it elevated and wrapped in smelly Chinese liniments. That's what I get!

Forgiveness

I have been talking about this idea of forgiveness with my friends lately. I think its important to forgive people, no doubt. I think its difficult to talk about forgiveness and compassion when it comes to people who have done things that are universally wrong. I think there are lots of situations that are misunderstandings and disagreements but some are just totally...wrong. I feel like with these situations how does one get past the disgusting things that people do and forgive them...and then also feel compassion for them. Like people who go out of their way to deliberately hurt others? I think its not always achievable to be that "forgiving". Its not realistic and it should not always be expected when it comes to wrongs that are just too huge. I believe there is a back story to the reason why people act the way they do when it comes to these disgusting things but I also think that it goes to far beyond my ability to forgive. And compassion are for people who can benefit from it. That might sound closed minded but I still think there has to be a line that's drawn or we lose site of what's real sometimes.

Back to Ahimsa

I think the way we can be most kind in the world is to break everything down to the most simplest way. Use common sense, don't be a jerk and don't do things to people that you wouldn't want done to you. Right? Today I am finding that too many people have trouble with the common sense thing.

On a more thoughtful note, I think its important to consider the following when you have the urge to be mean, defensive or aggressive towards someone...that you cannot always know what is going on for a person and sometimes you can only imagine that they could be having the worst day of their life.

http://www.buzzfeed.com/expresident/pictures-that-will-restore-your-faith-in-humanity

http://www.buzzfeed.com/expresident/random-acts-that-will-restore-your-faith-in-humanity

Ahimsa

We talk about ahimsa a lot in Yoga -non-violence. I find its the go to way for some yogi's to talk about being a vegetarian. I respect that whole non-harming to animals. I love animals! But I also eat meat. My point is, to each is own. I do however, dislike when people try to preach their beliefs into my Yoga. To me ahimsa is about not having violent thoughts, emotions or actions, towards others and yourself. This means taking child's pose in class when you need it! Not pushing ourselves when our body asks us to take a rest. I have been thinking about this especially during this NYC heat wave! I had to stop 5 times at water fountain yesterday during my run and also really slow down my pace. I kept noticing other runners pass me, and at first I felt upset that I couldn't keep up, but it was so much hotter than other days! Also I noticed all the long distance runners seemed to be doing shorter runs. And all of the older people who take their walks were taking rests and sitting on the benches. So stay hydrated, rest and find some AC refuge!