I can’t think of it! A lovely story about this iconic word in the film “The Princess Bride” helps you understand Ahimsa’s concept in a fun and subtle way.
Actor Wallace Sean said the word “unthinkable” for hours in every possible way until he finally clashed with the pronunciation he was looking for. However, on the set of the film, his confidence shaking when he noticed that fellow veteran actors were mimicking words behind their backs.
Ahimsa is non-violent, but can also be considered “no harm.” And as we all know, teasing people can certainly be harmful.
But the harm Ahimsa mentions is even more subtle. Wallace’s confidence shaking. But assuming someone’s intentions (especially if they assume their intentions are negative) is also ahimsa. It’s crazy to think like this, but you’re actually doing harm to yourself by supposing someone’s intentions. And if you take this further, you’re hurting yourself too. When someone’s words allow you to take preferences over your own clear experiences, your emotional safety and confidence will suffer.
Thankfully, Sean decided to ask straight. He admitted he was worried they were laughing at him. His vulnerability paid off. Sean said, “I thought they were making fun of me, but it turned out they loved how it sounded. It was the ultimate compliment.”
Had Sean not been having that candid conversation, he could have spent the next few months recreating moments that mimicked him over and over again in his head. Replaying negative moments in your head is another nuance of Ahimsa. Psychology studies support replaying negative scenes brings the same negative emotions as if they had happened. Now it’s certainly harmful!
What about this all harm to our relationship? How did this change the emotional trust that Sean had alongside his fellow actors?
And what about the ripples? This word has become symbolic. It spread to the world! But what if Sean, now self-conscious, subtly changed the way he said the words? It’s strange to think that this moment could have a ripple effect, but yoga every The moment with a ripple effect.
It is not thought that we will not experience our lives and cause harm. However, we have come up with ways to look at Ahimsa more subtle, so there is a little more space to consider (and perhaps rethink) our actions and the actions of others.
Until next time,
Roller
Want more about Ahimsa?
https://www.yogatrailtalks.com/fall-themes/be-brave-67s9g-hs7lp? rq = ahimsa
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