The 5 Yamas are universal practices that help us move forward in our personal and spiritual development. Practicing Yoga's "golden rules" ('Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.') helps us attain a healthy mind and body, and it's important to follow them without the desire for an end goal.
1. Ahimsa (non-violence): Ahimsa means practicing kindness to others, to animals and to ourselves in every thought and action. (Even if you never speak them, negative thoughts can be just as damaging as actions.) When we are compassionate and accepting of all ways of life (even if they seem "out there"), we can handle any situation with grace.
