Ahimsa or non-violence is the first ethical practice (Yama) of the Yoga Sutras. This is a practice whereby we try not to hurt anyone. This is something that we all try to do the best that we can. But the practice of ahimsa also involves not harming ourselves. Something that we do frighteningly often (how many times do we drink too much, not sleep enough, do we overwork, insult or berate ourselves…..?). In a yoga class, what ahimsa means amongst other things, is not to push ou

In a yoga class, you might often hear the phrase "open the heart or heart opening." These phrases describe two different actions depending on whether one is speaking of backbends or twists. In a backbend such as "the Cobra", we try to arch the upper back, expand the chest and soften the shoulders back. In a twist, we try to lengthen the spine and expand the space between the shoulders while rotating the chest to one side. Breathing plays a vital role in helping this opening a