Part 3: Asteya
Asteya or non-stealing
Join me as I embark on 40 weeks of trying to live the yamas and niyamas off the mat. 4 weeks for each of the 10 ethical principles.
Today we explore the 3rd yama called asteya or non-stealing. How are you stealing from your future self? Are you stepping lightly on this earth? Are you living in non-harm towards your self? This niyama is definitely more than just not stealing physical possessions…
But first, what are the yamas? Also known as ethical "restraints", there are 5 in total, and form the first of the 8 limbs of yoga. Yes, there is much more to yoga than just the physical poses!
Here's what I discovered (& I encourage you to do some of your own self-exploration):
Asteya and the earth: we are visitors to the human experience, including this earth, our body and mind. Nothing is really ours. This was such a powerful realisation for me, and really encourages me to give back where I can, tread lightly on this earth, and practice gratitude.
By shifting focus from what I don’t have or might not have in the future, and shifting focus to the abundance right in front of me, I’m reminded to not steal from present self experience.
Asteya and others: luckily I don’t often fall into the comparison trap, but it was a great reminder to have compassion to those who are dragging me down and not celebrating my successes, as this may be driven by their own unhappinesss and outward focus.
Asteya and myself: this one is much more difficult for me than asteya and others. By imposing an outside image of myself onto myself, I’m stealing from the unfolding of my own uniqueness. I’ve spent so many years placing demands and expectations on myself, often ones that I don’t really care for, that its stolen from my pool of enthusiasm.
I found it a helpful reminder that lack of belief in myself, judgements, criticism and demands for perfections are in fact forms of self abuse that destroy the essence of my vitality. This reminder, and trying to conciously be aware of these in my daily life have been really helpful (although that doesn’t mean I don’t still struggle with some of these!)
By always living in the future and rushing to the next thing, not allowing myself to digest, reflect, rest and contemplate, I essentially don’t allow my life experiences to integrate…which is a form of stealing from myself. All the more reason to practice asteya through deep rest and relaxation. I find yoga nidra the best for this!
What I will do more of: Practice self compentency so that I may be capable of stewarding the things that I ask for.
General takeaway: Shift focus from other to self.
My takeaway: Demand for perfection and self criticism are are form of stealing from myself because they destroy the essence of my vitality.
You can practice asteya with me on the mat in a free Youtube class, during which I share with you journal prompts and ways that you can practice this yogic restraint of non-stealing in your own daily life.
I am SO excited to share with you this 10 part series where we explore the yamas and niyamas in more detail during restorative, yin style classes. See you over in class on Youtube (@Tati von Yoga).
https://youtu.be/5oYaEFiCcFQ?si=Tsc_05QQ29Ar1GhR
P.S. Here are some suggested prompts from Deborah Adele's book The Yamas and Niyamas:
*Notice if, and how you steal from others - in time, attention, one-upmanship, power, confidence, not celebrating others' success. Practice being a "forklift"...uplift others with your presence!
* Note where you are stealing from the earth and from the future. Where are you taking without returning something of at least equal value? Practice giving back.
* Live as a visitor to this world, rather than an owner. Practice non-stealing by acknowledging that we are all just brief visitors to this earth.
* Think about your dreams and goals, and create a list of things to try and to study, so that you can increase your knowledge and competency. Do this to bring you closer to your goal. Stop stealing from your future self by putting in the work today! Practice adikara.
Lots of love & kindness,
Tati
xx
