Yamas

The first yogic guidelines for conscious self development is yamas. Yamas are the principles that teach you how to treat others and the world around us. These include:

Ahimsa (non-harming): This principle refers to acting in a way that promotes growth and adds to the vitality of the environment. In this way, yoga and activism are intertwining mindsets. Ahimsa at work in the collective is social justice, which works to uplift and liberate all people from harm. This concept focuses on treating and caring for others as though they were an extension of ourselves.

Asteya (non-stealing): This principle is not as literal as simply “do not take material items from others.” It’s about respecting other folks’ energy, time, and resources. In order to practice Asteya in personal relationships, you must create and honor boundaries. We carry sexual energy within your, and yoga asks that rather than spreading it in many directions without thought, you mindfully use it in ways that align with the rest of yoga philosophy. It has been said that greed is the root of all evil. Greed stems from a scarcity mentality. This results in individuals holding on too tightly to wealth, material items, and people, which perpetuates harm.