Making Ethical Decisions and Policy with Ahimsa at the Core – A Review of Yoga Alliance & IAYT

Yoga Therapy Hour with Amy Wheeler

In this solo episode, host Amy Wheeler explores the concept of Ahimsa (non-harming) and being in relationship with one another as the key guiding principle for making ethical decisions and policies in both individual and organizational contexts. Amy focuses on how yoga organizations like Yoga Alliance and the International Association of Yoga Therapy (IAYT) can enhance their decision-making processes by prioritizing non-harming, inclusivity, and community involvement from the ground up.

What is Ahimsa?

Amy defines Ahimsa as non-harming and non-violence toward oneself, others, and the environment. Ahimsa applies to emotional, mental, financial, community and societal well-being, guiding how we treat ourselves and each other.

Ahimsa as a Guiding Principle in Organizational Decisions

Amy explores how Ahimsa can shape ethical decision-making in yoga organizations, including Yoga Alliance and IAYT. She encourages a review of their policies and decision-making frameworks to ensure that they uphold the values of non-harming, transparency, and inclusivity. Amy discusses the importance of community involvement in shaping these policies, particularly through a collaborative, ground-up approach that empowers individuals and organizations to take shared responsibility for one another.

Humanistic Secularism and Its Connection to Yoga Ethics

Amy discusses humanistic secularism as an ethical framework based on human values like empathy, social responsibility, and inclusivity, without relying on religious or spiritual beliefs. She highlights how this worldview aligns with Ahimsa and discusses its practical application in modern decision-making, both in personal choices and at the organizational level. Amy also discusses the challenges that organizations face in maintaining ethical practices in a fast-paced, competitive environment and provides solutions on how to stay aligned with Ahimsa.

Call to Action

Amy invites listeners to join the new Facebook Group, "The Future of Yoga Therapy," to voice their opinions, introduce themselves, and participate in shaping the future of yoga therapy. This is a space for meaningful dialogue about ethical decision-making and shared responsibility within the yoga community, with a focus on Ahimsa and being in relationship with one another as a grounding foundational principle.

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