Ahimsa Week One: Practicing Courage in the Unknown

"Ultimately we have just one moral duty: to reclaim large areas of peace in ourselves..."

Etty Hillesum

This quote set the tone for my first week of self-study and practicing Ahimsa, or non-violence, through the lens of courage. The type of courage that doesn’t always look heroic on the outside, but it can feel revolutionary on the inside.

One Small, Courageous Act

This week, I made a phone call I had been avoiding. It wasn’t just a phone call I had been blowing off because of logistics, it required me to be vulnerable, to ask for help, and to admit that I couldn’t figure it out alone.

• Before the call, my body was filled with nerves and fear. I went out to the park to walk outside to blow off steam and anxiety. When I got to the top of the hill I looked out to downtown and decided I needed help.

• During, I felt a wave of relief wash over me. I had been so scared to make this call but once I started talking I felt a flood of relief.

• After, I was filled with happiness and a sense of safety I didn’t expect.

  
  

That single moment of emotional courage opened up space in my relationships. I felt like I healed a small piece of myself just by showing up honestly.

Courage On the Mat

In my classes, I invite students to explore their edge with one of my favorite empowering poses: Crow Pose (Bakasana).

This pose is all about:

• Balancing strength with surrender

• Finding flight in the unknown

• Trusting your body more than your fear

Even if students can't fly on the first time, the trying itself is the act of courage.

Teaching Tip: I always remind students: If you fall, you’re in good company. We all do. That’s how we grow. Also... use lots of props to soften your fall! (Is this a life metaphor as well?)

Courage in the City

Living in San Francisco pushes me daily. The city moves fast, and it takes effort not to get swept into routine. Practicing courage here means:

• Going to new neighborhoods just to explore

• Revisiting passions I’d set aside

• Saying yes to invitations that stretch me (but also respecting my energy levels and rest)

  
  

Golden Gate Park & Dolores Park are my sanctuary when I need space to reset. It reminds me that peace and courage can coexist.

Want to Share Your Story?

I’d love to hear how you are stepping into the unfamiliar.

This week’s reflection question: What is one small act of courage you practiced recently?

For Your Journal

Here are a few prompts to deepen your own reflection:

• What voices showed up when you faced fear this week?

• Did you notice a difference between fear and the unfamiliar?

• What does "unknown territory" look like for you in your practice, your relationships, or your life right now?

Looking Ahead

Next week, we’ll explore balance as a sacred resource. Until then, I invite you to keep noticing where courage lives in your body, your breath, and your everyday choices.