The Yamas, the first limb of Yoga, is a practice of restraining 5 natural life forces that, when unrestrained, can be destructive. Ahimsa, or nonviolence, is the first of these practices, the foundation of all of Yoga.

If you find that you are prone to explosive moments of unloading angry words or actions at yourself or others, that is the beginning of your Ahimsa practice—to take care of yourself in such a way that you can restrain from causing others harm AND give yourself a relief valve at the same time. More physical activity, therapy, etc.

Many of us are not regularly overtly violent, and then the practice requires more subtlety. Look for tendencies to suppress your feelings or taking on too much to be “nice.” Watching violent media, including the news, trains the mind toward violence. It’s not that we don’t do these things, but we seek to limit them.

The great thing about this practice is that there are no rules. Only an ongoing self-reflection. How might I gentle my life more? What are the most beneficial ways for me to do this?

Ahimsa requires firmness. To set strong boundaries on that which may cause harm gently. To become kind, which requires putting kindness to yourself first.