Yama - Outward Focus

Do we control events? Often we cannot. We frequently react to events. This can generate stress in us, especially if we find ourselves in situations that we have difficulty in coping with. We also get stressed by the reactions of others if we or others are confrontational, insensitive or irrelevant. Our reactions to external stimulus and our ability to work with others in a peaceful manner or bring peace into our relationships are the fundamental building block of a sustainable solution for stress.

Yama is the first element of Situational Awareness. It enables us to and live a a life where our actions leave us as well as those we interact with a sense peace. It results in us being able to enjoy a stable and balanced relationship with our environment.

Yama has different meanings, "rein, curb, or bridle, discipline or restraints". In the present context, it means "self-control or forbearance" when dealing with the environment. Patanjali's Yoga Sutra mentions six key elements in Yama that cover all aspects of personal behaviour with the external environment.

The key to effective implementation of Yama is to be able to align our Dharma with that of others without sacrificing our own dharma, yet achieve the common goal and retain or grow the relationship.

Elements of Yama: Ahimsa (Non-violence), Hrta (Integrity), Diversity, Teaming, Valour and Aparigraha (Equanimity). When one understands and implements these elements, there results a tremendous sense of peace because those that interact with us stop feeling threatened by us and our actions. This allows us to achieve our objectives better with lesser emotional investment and at the same time lead and mentor others to work within their Dharma because we know when and where to apply our energies for maximum effect.

Share your opinion and experiences:

• Do we control events?

• What is the best way to react? What is the end we should aim for?

• Is it possible to achieve a win-win solution every time?

• If we cannot achieve a win-win solution, then how should we manage the situation?

• How do we react, ensure success, yet ensure peace in any reaction?

• How important is transparency in a reaction?

• How important is it for us to respect the other person’s Dharma in a situation?

• How do relationships get affected? Why do they get disturbed?

• What does it take to restore a disturbed relationship?

• Can a relationship be one-sided? How do you manage an important one-sided relationship?

• How important is patience in a relationship?

• How important is communication in maintaining relationships?
  

• How do you use communication to diffuse tension?