Yama Get Zen
Note: I’m writing in the first person here, using “I”; this is intentional so as not to push my “shoulds” on you. Know I’m writing for anyone who can relate, and also know, what works for me may not work for you.
Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional. Buddha
The yamas are accompanied by the niyamas in yoga philosophy, to accumulate us towards a system meant to help us get through this life in peace and calmness. Overall, the morals and philosophy are aligned nicely with that of most cultures, leading me to believe we’re all onto something through our common ground. The Yamas are explained here (one version), but in short, my interpretation:
non-violence - practicing kindness towards myself and towards others
honesty - separating what is versus what is the story I’m telling myself, and acknowledging the discrepancies
non-stealing - taking only what I earn and using what’s mine in the form of tangibles, but also in terms of other people’s energy
impulse control - being conscious of what I’m doing, why I’m doing it, and staying in-tune with what triggers habits of things like overeating or over-anything, really
non-coveting - not clinging to things, as they come and go; not comparing myself, my version of success, my version of wealth, to the traditional version of these words, so as not to get caught up in other people’s expectations for what my life is or getting jealous of others who appear to be “doing better”
With the above guiding principles, I have found, similarly to other Buddhist principles, I’m fighting life less. With that energy now being conserved, I can reroute it towards creating and being with family and friends.
I find they give me my best chance of feeling zen.
