Brahmacharya is number four of the five Yamas, which make the first limb of Yoga’s eight-limbed path. Yamas are recommended moral guidelines to consider in our relationship to the world around us. Brahmacharya traditionally was a teaching of celibacy for spiritual seekers and guides, but with the passing of time, its teaching has evolved to instruct us to consider what is the right use of energy.

Health Brigade (formerly Fan Free Clinic) has provided exceptional health services to those least served for over 50 years, offering care in a deeply compassionate and non-judgmental environment. Born in the era of peace, love, and social change, their work began when two doctors, a nurse, and a minister came together to serve those that were underserved within Richmond’s inner city.

Asteya. In Sanskrit, a means “non” and steya means “stealing,” so asteya translates as “non-stealing.” It is the third yama, or ethical principle, outlined in the Yoga Sutras. On the surface, asteya reminds us not to take material possessions that are not ours. But yoga asks us to look deeper.

Two truths can exist at the same time.

The first limb of yoga teaches us Satya (truthfulness) and Ahimsa (non-harming), reminding us that living our truth doesn’t mean ignoring others’ truths—it means holding both with compassion. When our own truth feels unclear, Ahimsa can guide us toward the path that causes the least harm.

What truths in your life have been strengthened by practicing non-harming? Which ones have softened or shifted?

How do we embody ahimsa when the choices before us seem to inevitably cause harm in some way? Or how do we reconcile with ourselves after learning that what we believed to be a harmless act actually caused harm to another being?

If you read ahimsa as “I will never cause harm to another living being,” consider instead: I will cause the least amount of harm possible, given the information I have available.

Have you felt a sense of overwhelm at all recently? Do you ever feel like you don’t know where to act, what to focus on, or that you’re simply spinning your wheels OR that your wheels aren’t turning at all?

I’ve been there.

I was there earlier today actually.

Over the years yoga has become a lifestyle and the best part is, I didn’t have to perform some major life upheaval to make it so. I just have to practice.

The Humble Haven community resource page is intended to share local resources for holistic wellness services that we have personally utilized and would recommend. We define wellness as anything that supports individuals feeling well in their day-to-day lives which is why you will see organizations listed that offer educational programming, health and massage services, or employment support. 

Team members and students at Humble Haven certainly have experiences and interests in common, but no two are exactly alike. So how do we get to valuing, accepting, and celebrating one another when we can be a little or a lot different?

"I’m not here to tell you that Yoga is a cure all, but it certainly helps. Yoga teaches us how to sit with ourselves as we may need to weed through unpleasant and uncomfortable thoughts, physical feelings, and emotions. Yoga teaches us how to breathe in a way that our brains are alert, clear, and balanced. Yoga teaches us about non-attachment so when our well-intended plans don’t go as so, we can get back up again..."