In the classical eightfold path of yoga, it is no accident that ahimsa (nonviolence) is the first yama (restraint) to observe �?ahimsa is the heart and essence of yoga. When we sustain an injury, we have distanced ourselves from this concept. However, an injury offers a chance to return to the place of compassion, sweetness, and patience that ahimsa encourages.

It is crucial to avoid reinjuring yourself. This does not mean you must stop practicing, but you should modify your practice. Try to assess the origin of your injury �?maybe your hamstrings are weak and your quadriceps are not working to support them. Or maybe your knees hyperextend, or you've been lifting and spreading the sitting bones too much. Once you've identified the source of your soreness, you can modify poses to protect yourself from further harm.