Is perfectionism a form of internal violence?

Tuning into Ahimsa

Just over a year ago, I began studying the philosophy and practice of Hatha yoga. Among the many profound concepts I encountered, one topic instantly inspired me: Ahimsa.

Ahimsa is the first Yama - the social and ethical guidelines in yoga that teach us how to interact harmoniously with the world. Derived from the Sanskrit root hims (to strike or harm) with the prefix a- (non-), it literally translates to "non-harming" or "non-killing."

Rather than merely avoiding physical harm, Ahimsa is an active practice of universal compassion, reverent action, and harmlessness in thought, word, and deed. At its centre lies an understanding that we are all one. It also entails a loving behaviour not just towards others but also towards ourselves.

How Playing the Harp Became My Practice of Self-Compassion

Being kind, gentle, and non-violent toward ourselves is something so many of us struggle with. The opposite of the self-directed gentle spirit is perfectionism - a rigid mindset that offers no room for mistakes and feeds off a relentless inner critic. At least, this has been my personal experience and an area I have had to consciously work on.

Confronting that inner critic took on a whole new dimension when the harp entered my life. It found me rather than the other way around, coming through a moment of undeniable soul recognition that pulled me straight to the instrument.

The harp quickly became my most transformative, tangible practice of Ahimsa.

The Harp as a Heart Harmoniser

Harp is a deeply archetypal instrument. Carrying the energy of love and angelic beauty, it acts as an ancient bridge between heaven and earth. Its magical sound produces rich, healing overtones that bypass the analytical mind, drawing you in and aligning you with your heart’s true resonance. On a physical level, its vibrations help lower stress and soothe the nervous system.

Even the physical act of playing opens the chest and activates the heart chakra - with the hands and fingers operating as direct extensions of that heart energy. When stress or perfectionism creeps in, our bodies naturally contract, shoulders roll forward, the breath tightens, and the chest closes off. 

Playing the harp demands the exact opposite posture. You cradle the instrument against your shoulder, expanding your collarbones and opening the heart space with open, receptive arms. In a very physical sense, you cannot play the harp while remaining closed off.

Sharing harp music with others has been a major lesson in courage, a practice in letting go of perfectionism and really offer music directly from the heart. I share it because deep within my soul, I feel this is my path: a way to offer beauty and harmony to the world.

Moving Beyond Perfectionism

Even though it is sometimes super scary and difficult not to be perfect. I’m consciously expanding my capacity to act from love despite the fears.

Just five months into my harp journey, I received my first invitations to perform. My analytical mind immediately came up with a long list of reasons to say no: "You’ve only been playing for five months," "You’re playing is far from perfect," "You are too much of a beginner to perform", “You have no background in music.

But within, I knew that a loving decision is to accept the invitation. 

When I listen beyond those fears, I am reminded of a deeper truth: when I sit behind the harp, my role is not to perform perfectly. My role is simply to become a clear vessel through which vibration, beauty, and presence can flow.

The music no longer feels as though it belongs to me, I am simply entrusted to carry it. There is something deeply humbling in that realisation, leaving me with immense gratitude to be part of an ancient lineage and to share a vibration that touches something timeless within the human soul.

Living from the Place of Love

Because we are all connected through this shared web of energy, we each carry a responsibility: to follow our hearts and to think, act, and speak from a place of love, thereby reducing violence in the world.

Creating from the heart is a conscious daily practice. It means leaving behind self-criticism, perfectionism, and the fear of failure. It is the ultimate act of courage to step into your purest self, embracing the reality that your unique energy is exactly what the world needs.

In the end, the rewards far outweigh the fears. Practicing Ahimsa doesn't just change how we show up for others, it brings true peace and harmony within.

A Sound Journey Within

If you feel called to experience the healing resonance of the harp and step into a space of deep heart connection, I invite you to join me for a special Harp Sound Journey. Together, we will create a peaceful sanctuary to quiet the analytical mind and travel deep within your heart.

6th of December at 16:00, Üks Maja, Valdeku 66, Tallinn

More info and tickets:  https://fienta.com/et/harfi-helirannak

A Question to Carry With You

Where in your own life are you holding onto perfectionism - and what gentle outlet might help you practice non-violence toward yourself today?