“Stop giving people the power to steal your peace. It belongs to you and no one should be able to run away with it.”
~ A. Elle
Good morning friends. During my yoga teacher training, when it came to studying the yamas and niyamas, we were divided up into pairs. And were assigned one of each to research and discuss. This meant I spent time thoroughly contemplating 4 of the ideals with my partner.
Today’s Yama – Asteya, or non-stealing – was not one of them.
So I had to do some research before meditating on this restraint. I found the deeper meaning of this virtue to be quite thought provoking. I hope you do too
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On a surface level, practicing Asteya can mean literally not stealing money out of someone’s pocket. But on a deeper level, the practice of Asteya implies not taking anything that has not been freely given.
Non-stealing includes not only taking what belongs to another without permission, but also using something for a different purpose to that intended, or beyond the time permitted by its owner.
It can also mean not hoarding materials you don’t need, mindlessly consuming natural resources, coveting other people’s possessions.
Perhaps we steal when we rob ourselves of our own potential by neglecting a talent, or by letting a lack of commitment keep us from practicing yoga.
One of the most interesting interpretations of Asteya, however, is the notion of not stealing the most precious and non-renewable resource of all: Time.
Alexandra Frazen lists out some practical tips on how we can make improvements …
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Practicing Asteya: Non-stealing of other’s time — in your work and communication:
* Write short, concise, elegant emails. Most working professionals receive upward of 100 emails a day. If you’re going to add to the queue, strive to be precise.
* Think before you reach out for “help.” Can the answer you’re seeking easily be Googled? Do you really need assistance? Do you have a specific question, at all?
* Consider not speaking.
“Open your mouth only if what you are about to say is more beautiful than silence.”
— Arabic Proverb
* Show up on time. Model punctuality and inspire others to do the same.
* Don’t commit to projects that you have no desire to complete.
* Make it easy for people to help you. If you’re reaching out to someone to request a favor, tell them exactly what you need, and when, and why.
* Make it easy for people to understand you. Nothing steals away time like struggling to decipher what someone is trying to say!
* If you tend to be overly-wordy, pretend as though you’re appearing on a morning talk show and only have a few moments to captivate your audience. If you tend to use a lot of convoluted jargon, pretend that you’re speaking to a very young child.
* Try to avoid changing your mind mid-stream — especially if your new choice creates a significant inconvenience for others. If you must shift gears, do it fast and do it right.
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Affirmation:
I live in gratitude for all I have. I take and use only what is rightfully mine. I respect the possessions and talents of others and release my desires to own objects or talents I do not have. I appreciate my life as it is.
It’s been said that “all the wealth of the world will be drawn to one who has mastered the practice and discipline of Asteya.”
I thank you very much for taking your precious time today to read my blog and to consider this lofty ideal.
How do you practice Asteya in your everyday life? Have you ever considered it before today?
