I had a great tutorial today with a pro! She has an amazing food blog…and she’s a graphic artist and great writer. She gave me lots of tips on how to navigate this world of posting, publishing, sharing, privacy and (very important) proof-reading. Thanks Lesley!
A blog gives us a forum to share thoughts, ideas, observations, and ponderings…all in a very public domain. If my intention is to create a positive ripple effect from “my backyard”, then this blog needs to adhere to the yogic principle of AHIMSA.
AHIMSA is the first of five “yamas” or ethical precepts outlined by the ancient sage, Patanjali, in the yoga sutras. It means “non-harming” in thoughts, words, and deeds. I will be the first to admit that I have so not followed this at times…but change begins with awareness so it is helpful to practice just that – being more AWARE of when our thoughts are harmful, of when our words sting, and when our deeds hurt. The more we are AWARE, the more we can nip our harmful habits in the moment so their energy does not grow into a destructive force, whether it is towards others or ourselves.
In the spirit of AHIMSA, I wish to set a precedent for this blog. Let it be all about creating positive vibrations, even if we happen to be discussing something nasty, sad, outrageous, or incredible. In my backyard, I will be watering the seeds of kindness, compassion, tolerance, open-mindedness, non-judgement…Please hold me to it!
(A good article that expands on this can be found at http://www.yogajournal.com/wisdom/2112)
Yoga In My Backyard 
Judy Sully said,
March 19, 2013 at 7:56 am
Anne you inspire me. I try to be kind and understanding but it does not always work, I am currently battling a situation which upsets me and i will take courage from your words. Judy
LJ Stubbs said,
March 19, 2013 at 10:43 am
Happy to help. Karma polished!
ANNE STUBBS said,
March 19, 2013 at 10:50 am
I agree it is NOT EASY. It’s hard to practice AHIMSA when you are on the receiving end of negative energy. Our gut reaction is to send it right back out…oh the times I’ve done that! Stay tuned for an interesting approach to dealing with challenging interactions and situations…
Mary Pantalone said,
March 19, 2013 at 11:04 am
am taking baby steps into this “blog” world but here goes…I had one of those days yesterday and I’m sure people around me thought I was just hyper ventilating when in fact I was trying to dislodge all the negativity around me…didn’t work until I got to my yoga class last evening and (although it took an hr) I was a new being when I came out. I want to be able to have that feeling all the time and control how negative energy affects me, so I am waiting in anticipation for any words of wisdom someone can share
Laurie Dance said,
March 19, 2013 at 11:28 am
This week seems to be stirring up some very negative energy, as it so often does when late winter strikes and we are all so fed up with it! Your reminders here are good ways to “get back to centre”, Anne. Needed that today. Thanks!
Glynis said,
March 19, 2013 at 9:04 pm
Great work!
Words to try and live by thanks for sharing and caring. Happy for you:)