Freespace - Non-violence begins with oneself

I WILL be giving a talk next week on "ahimsa", or non-violence, as part of a yoga class for Furry Friends Farm, a sanctuary founded by animal lover Sabrina Yeap.
When we think of non-violence, we think of harm to people, animals and our environment. I believe that outward violence we experience from others is a manifestation of inward violence that a person experiences.
Let's assume you had a bad day. You're in turmoil. You cannot seem to give yourself any kind of peace. Maybe things didn't work out with your relationship or job like you hoped it would, or maybe your investments took a dip. Wouldn't it be "normal" for you to drive aggressively or snap at your spouse or children?
Let's look at all the patterns that we experience daily; for example, our relationships, jobs or investments. What do we expect? We expect our partners to accede to our expectations, we expect perhaps a promotion, we expect our investments to at least remain steady. These expectations are created by ourselves. When things go awry, it is normal and human to get upset. But let's not forget that we created the expectations.
This unhappiness can manifest in violence. Violence occurs when we cannot express compassion to others and also to ourselves. Let's take an example I used previously, when a pretty girl walks into a yoga class, stumps every other female practitioner with her ease on the mat, which is closely followed by whispers of hatred and jealousy.
Could these whispers be manifestations of insecurity and self-doubt? If so, who allowed those insecurities and self-doubt to thrive and grow but those other practitioners themselves.
I have no intention to lecture. My purpose is to draw attention away from the symptoms and to the source of the matter.
I have found that when I am gentler with myself, I tend to be gentler towards others. When I stop having expectations, and just look around with gratitude, life becomes smoother and sweeter. It is possible, and with each attempt, it does get easier.
Of course, when it comes to animal abuse, the issue is far greater than a bit of self-doubt, insecurity or anger. These patterns are rooted in the perpetrator, and potentially explosive for society. This is the reason why the FBI has listed animal cruelty in its Group A felony list together with homicide, arson and assault. Studies show that people who torture and kill animals are prone to violence against other people.
In every person that causes violence to others is a broken individual. If only he or she had the opportunity to love himself or herself so the brokenness never took place!
I am not justifying their actions but in understanding that they are as broken as we are, perhaps we can move towards a more peaceful society, a society where we would need to practise a non-violent method to resolve conflicts.
Daniel freelances in writing and fitness training, and has a deep passion for health, fitness, sleep and travel. Comments: letters@thesundaily.com