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My teacher keeps talking about non violence towards ourselves, but I'm not really sure what she means.

I know yoga is supposed to be about de-stressing and helps to relax, but what does violence have to do with it? Is she talking about not pushing ourselves? If so how are we supposed to get any better?

Hi Jen, my opinion is that it refers to the fact that you shouldn't 'beat yourself up.' If you don't push yourself and have an internal fire going, you won't have any willpower, but at the same time, too much self-criticism can become negative and destructive (instead of constructive) leading to low self-esteem. So in the end it's about a healthy balanced attitude towards achieving healthy balanced goals... on the mat, off the mat, and outside when you realize you parked in a loading zone again like an idiot.

I'm reminded of 'treat others how you would wish to be treated'. You can jumble it to read: 'treat yourself how you would wish others to be treated' - with dignity, respect, honesty, kindess, generosity, forgiveness etc.

..... given that negative thoughts can harm and be a kind of 'violence,' whether that 'violence' is very mild or extreme.

Just like you can be violent or do harm to others with words or with the biffo, thoughts and emotions on the inside count, whether they're directed 'out there' or 'in here.'

Hope this makes some sense

Your teacher is making a reference to Ahimsa, the first of the Yamas. Gomukha has eloquently explained with Ahimsa means.

In our western world we do beat ourselves up with all the expectations we place on ourselves in order to feel successful.

What is a non-violent definition of success? I bet it feels good.

Shanti, Om.

...maybe being able to touch your toes in yoga