"For those who have no inclination to steal, the truly precious is at hand.” - Patanjali (Yoga Sutra)
As you might be able to tell, like all the Yamas, Asteya has a deeper meaning than don’t steal stuff.
When I think of Asteya, I think of the term FOMO or The Fear Of Missing Out. This fear of missing something is rooted in thinking that what you’re doing isn’t good enough, fun enough, or exciting enough. Your friends don’t like you enough, or you aren’t famous enough.
When we feel that we aren’t enough, we act in ways that might not align with who we are. We stop allowing ourselves to be present in the joy of each moment unfolding uniquely around us. We stop appreciating who and what we have because they don’t fit into the aesthetic.
Comparing ourselves to the highly curated version of someone online can become a big part of the day. And it isn’t fair. I’m not even talking about what this can do to our own hearts - This person we’ve compared ourselves to is a regular human with off days and bad morning breath. We don’t see what’s behind the scenes - They are most likely dealing with challenges we can’t imagine. Family stuff, health stuff, fear, and doubt. Placing people on a pedestal robs them of their humanity.
We can celebrate the good things that happen in someone's life without taking anything away from our own.
Asteya is a call to live with integrity and reciprocity. It invites us to stop looking outward for satisfaction and worthiness and to look within. Practicing asteya reminds us that we have enough. We are good enough. We are enough.
OFF THE MAT - How exactly can we practice Asteya?
- We can shift our focus from others to ourselves. We can get excited about all the possibilities in our life and take refuge in the process of becoming.
- We can be present in each moment and allow ourselves to pay attention to our actions.
- Practice uplifting people around you without needing a reward.
- Write an affirmation for yourself - It could be a few short words, or a little longer. Try these on for size:
I have enough
I honour what belongs to others & celebrate what I have and what I have accomplished.
I have everything I need inside myself.
Try on a few more of your own.
ON THE MAT - How can we practice Asteya?
- When practicing Asanas, remember to practice with the body you have TODAY. Not the body you had yesterday, last week, 5 years ago.
- Notice if you tend to push to your outer limits, stealing your opportunity to find stillness and ease in a posture.
This is for both on and off the mat because I think it’s important.
Many of us might have an image of our 'ideal' body or weight. The messages from the fitness & wellness industrial complexes are pervasive and have deeply harmed how many of us look in the mirror.
Make friends with this body you are living within. Practice with the body you have. Appreciate how it carries you through life with its unique and perfect imperfections.
You don’t need to do a handstand, touch your toes, or anything else to be worthy of loving your body. You don’t need to earn love for yourself. Practice with this body you reside in, and discover a deep love for each other.
Asteya journalling prompts:
- In what ways do I steal time, joy, attention from others and myself?
- How can I live with more reciprocity with people and with Earth?
- What will it feel like when I have enough?
- Why am I grateful?