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The Buzz on Ahimsa: Balancing Yoga Philosophy with Mosquito Reality

The days when it's more pleasant outside on my porch than inside are becoming scarce. Partly due to the island breeze, which appears to be on vacation. The blazing August sun and its resulting sweltering heat also add to it. But the majority of the discomfort is caused by the buzzing, stinging insects that take over the space.


Yoga practice despite mosquitoes
Finding peace amidst the buzz - Kimberly Wittens Photography

I swing my made-in-China tennis racket with gusto. Tik, tik, tikkete-tikete-tik-tik goes the sound. The crackling noise, combined with the smell of burnt hair, gives me a sense of satisfaction. I'm aware that I'm now contradicting the yoga philosophy. All modern yoga styles are based on the eightfold path of philosopher Patanjali. The path begins with the Yamas; five ethical principles. I completely miss the mark on the first principle, Ahimsa, or non-violence.


My partner does better with practicing non-violence ánd pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses). Without paying attention to the swarm of mosquitoes, he performs his six rites of rejuvenation daily, even during peak mosquito hours. It's a short but powerful series of exercises designed to keep men vital and potent from a certain age. From day one, he refuses to apply toxic mixtures to his skin. He stubbornly adheres to the principle of getting used to it.


At times, I try to do the same. The number of mosquito bites seems to decrease the longer I live here. The itching also becomes less intense and shorter-lived than in the first months. Still, I'm not always able to ignore the itch. Applying a 'natural' concoction containing OLE (lemon eucalyptus oil) works best. Although I must admit, I apply it more for cooling relief.


During my next visit to the Chinese supermarket, I'll take another look at the Glacial or Alcolade bottles, as I knew it from my childhood. I remember the cooling effect when my mother would tie a cloth soaked in Alcolade around our heads for fever or headaches. The menthol should have a similar effect, right? And indeed, the label states that it helps against mosquito bite itching.


Once home, I let the mosquitoes bite me willingly. I spray some Alcolade on the spot, but it doesn't burn like I remembered. Now what? The answer comes during my colleague Miranda's yoga class. 'Today, I want to start with a short lesson on Ahimsa.' She explains what it means and immediately adds, 'but mosquitoes are the exception.’



 

Originally published in Dutch on August 21st 2022

Written during a transformative period in my life, when I sold and gave away my belongings in the Netherlands and embarked on a new adventure in Bonaire with just one suitcase and my trusty coffee machine. As a yogipreneur, I was grateful to share my thoughts and insights as a monthly columnist for Bonaire.nu , the island's online news channel, under the loosely translated title "Tara's Musings"


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