Asteya: You Already Have It All
It’s easy to focus on the less glamorous side of the social restraints of yoga, with Asteya, non-stealing, telling us to not take anything that does not belong to one. On the other hand, this Yama also shows us there is no need to take more than necessary since we already have what is meant for us. Although we may assume its about something physical, we’ll learn its not just what’s tangible that can be stolen. Asteya sheds light on how we utilize our time, money and love during the end of year gatherings and how to practice healthy boundaries.
“Asteya put into practice, means not taking energy of tomorrow, for today.”
Getting ready for the end of year festivities may be all fun for some, but for others, its a draining time of overextending themselves for the sake of not saying “No”. Oftentimes we’re trying to accommodate so many people, we forget we need to take care of ourselves. In turn, our physical body can take a toll and we’re left sick or hurt. Asteya put into practice, means not taking energy of tomorrow, for today. When we practice setting boundaries around how long each function should require your presence or implementing much needed time to recharge, we can show up fully and not feel like we’re pouring from an empty cup. What’s important here is that each of us has a different size cup and depending on how big or small yours may be, you may need more or less time to recharge, and both are fine!
When we can learn to accept our loved ones needs and respect our own, we are giving way more back than we are taking. Therefore, learning what to commit to is vital in not stealing - neither your own energy and time, and the full attention those you’ll be deserve from you.
“Be content with what you have: rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.” - Lao Tzu
Currently, the holidays bring up a great point made by Swami Satchidananda who says that buying more than we need counts as stealing things “by not letting others use them.” Granted, many of us get by with all the Black Friday deals and are great bargain shoppers! However, Asteya asks us to consider what is necessary to buy and gift rather than for the sake of splurging. If we are buying from a place already full in abundance, then what is the intent for more? Not to say you should feel guilty for any of it - in fact, it makes the intent of gifting that much more important when we put that much more thought into what it is we’re getting for someone. Some gifting options to consider is making something (pick your choice of art!), tickets to an experience, or asking if there is somewhere they would like for you to donate to on their behalf!
There is a reason this time of year is so great for donating and gifting because it does activate a part of the brain that releases dopamine. Which is fantastic if you’re into donating blood, clothes, food or your time! Check your local shelters and food drives for other ways to support.
When we fully practice Asteya, we commit ourselves to a life of peace and contentment. There is enough time, money and love for all. The real work is in how we can support one another in order to expand this abundance. What are ways you have given back without any expectation of anything in return? How have you been able to practice saving your energy or time in order to be more productive for the important things in life?
