Following on from Ahimsa and Satya where yoga thinking urges us to do less harm and less lying, the next Yama is Asteya which means non-stealing. We take what is offered to us and use only what we need.
From a very young age this value would, I imagine, have been drummed into you. Stealing anything was an abhorrent act in my upbringing and stealing anything, even a penny sweet from the corner shop, would never have crossed my mind. Check me out polishing my halo as I look down from my moral high ground and declare ‘I never steal!’
Once I started to learn about the philosophical side of yoga I realised (and was truly humbled) by the stark realisation that I was indeed a thief! I am curious about this and want to consciously practise ‘less stealing’. I know! Me a thief! What have I stolen for years? Who have I stolen from?!
These are my crimes laid out for your judgement. These examples of what I have stolen from others:
Time
Attention
Energy
Talents
It’s not just people I have stolen from. In the past, I have stolen resources from the planet: fast fashion, unethical food, mass produced meat…. In a modern society it’s actually quite hard to be more ethical and more expensive but there are choices we can make about our lifestyles to do 'less stealing'. For me 'no stealing' in this context is unrealistic and would lay me open to failure. 'Less stealing' is doable.
However, I have come to realise that I have stolen much more from myself and yoga has opened my eyes to the fact that this moral applies as much to how I treat myself. Stealing comes from a lack of abundance and greed. Stealing can be a sign of low self-worth. Stealing comes from wanting more than we need and maybe hoarding.
And, in addition to stealing from others, the planet and myself, I’ve let other people steal from me! This was a lightbulb moment and has empowered me to set boundaries around others. I have let others steal my attention, my time, my energy, my good nature, my work, my joy, my happiness and probably a lot more besides. I have made a choice not to let this happen and I have yoga to thank for that!
What does this Yama mean to you?
‘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’ (not my words but can’t find the reference)
Love
Karen x
Comments