Boundaries in Yoga & Life: Protecting Our Energy to Thrive
Incorporating Ahimsa and Satya for Rejuvenation and Growth
In a world full of demands, setting boundaries isn’t always easy—but it's essential for our health and happiness. When we talk about boundaries in yoga and life, it’s not about pushing people away; it’s about honouring our energy, knowing when to say "no," and protecting that inner light. In yoga, we create these boundaries with care, love, and honesty, in line with the Yamas of Ahimsa (non-violence) and Satya (truthfulness). As the ancient yogic texts teach, boundaries help us build resilience, find clarity, and keep our minds peaceful and calm.
The Beauty of Saying ‘No’ to Say ‘Yes’ to Ourselves
Like so many, I often find myself saying “yes” out of habit, without considering how it might drain my energy or affect my well-being. Setting boundaries is still a practice for me—learning to recognize when my body and mind need a break. I’ve discovered that sometimes, the most nourishing choice I can make is to say “no” so I can rest, restore, and come back ready to support others with a fuller heart.
In the words of Rod Stryker, “In the stillness of breath, the boundaries become clear. We learn to honour our limits and protect our prana.” Boundaries help us maintain prana, our life force, allowing us to show up fully in our lives and practice.
Ahimsa and Satya: Setting Boundaries with Care and Honesty
Practicing Ahimsa, or non-violence, towards ourselves means treating our energy and time with respect. By saying “no” without guilt, we prevent self-burnout and promote inner peace. Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra 2.35 says:
"Ahimsā pratiṣṭhāyāṁ tat sannidhau vaira tyāgaḥ"
“When non-violence in speech, thought, and action is established, one’s aggressive nature is relinquished, and a peaceful environment surrounds them.”
This sutra reminds us that in honoring ourselves, we naturally create a more peaceful life and bring that peace to others. Practicing Satya, or truthfulness, requires us to be honest about our limits and listen when our bodies need rest. When we are true to ourselves, we avoid over-committing and find more balance.
The Sacral Chakra and Emotional Boundaries
This month, we’ve focused on the Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana), the centre of our emotions, relationships, and creativity. By working with this chakra, we gain insight into our connections and our ability to set boundaries within those relationships. When we nurture this chakra, we enhance our capacity to connect deeply without losing ourselves.
Three Poses to Support Emotional Boundaries
Reclined Butterfly (Supta Baddha Konasana)
This restorative pose helps us open the hips and release stored emotions. As we settle into the pose, we soften our physical boundaries and let the breath work gently within, helping us feel safe, supported, and at ease. It’s an ideal pose to return to whenever we need a reminder to let go and create internal space.Lizard Pose (Utthan Pristhasana)
Deep and grounding, Lizard Pose invites us to connect to the earth and feel rooted in our boundaries. The intensity of this stretch reminds us of the importance of honoring our edge—listening to where we can go without overextending. By coming back to this pose, we allow our breath to deepen and find a sense of presence within our limits.Child’s Pose (Balasana)
In Child’s Pose, we fold inward, honoring ourselves by taking a moment of retreat. It’s a safe haven to check in with our body, notice how we’re feeling, and draw our awareness back to the breath. This grounding posture helps us center ourselves, reminding us that taking time to rest is an act of self-care, not selfishness.
Taking Time for Practice Is Self-Care
In a culture that values constant activity, setting aside time for yoga can feel indulgent. But as you practice, remember that setting this boundary is essential self-care. The Sutra 1.33 reminds us:
"Maitrī karuṇā mudito’pekṣaṇām sukha duḥkha puṇya apuṇya viṣayāṇām bhāvanātaś citta prasādanaṁ"
“By cultivating attitudes of friendliness toward the happy, compassion for the unhappy, delight in the virtuous, and indifference toward the wicked, the mind retains its calmness.”
This sutra teaches that our energy is precious. By being intentional with our practice and our relationships, we create a mental state that’s peaceful and clear. So remember, every time you return to the mat, you’re saying “yes” to yourself and preserving your prana for what matters most.
In Closing
Setting boundaries—whether on the mat or in life—is a loving act that supports our energy, clarity, and joy. So, let’s embrace this practice with light-hearted intention, respecting our limits and taking each day with grace and ease. Every boundary you set is a step toward a more vibrant and balanced self!