Happy Day 3 of our 30 Day Yoga Challenge – Asteya

Today we are learning about and practicing the third of the five Yamas. Many of the translations from Sanskrit to English for the Yamas (YAH-muhs), or Interpersonal Ethics, are things you should NOT do. I consider many of the Yamas to be different embodiments of The Golden Rule – “do unto others as you would want done to you.” Of course we aim to not do the negative thing, but on the flip side we also should try to embody the positive opposite.

1st Limb of Yoga – Yamas #3 – Asteya (Non-stealing)

Asteya (Ah-STAY-yuh) translates to English as Non-Stealing, and is another universal moral and reflection of the golden rule in the Yamas. Asteya of course means literally not stealing possessions, but it also means not stealing or being selfish with the time, energy, and ideas of others. The positive opposite behavior of non-stealing that we want to encourage is generosity. There is a balance between giving and receiving.. one should not allow oneself to be taken advantage of, along with not taking advantage of others.

Asteya can be a deep philosophical consideration for yourself, examining situations where you may be acting a bit selfishly or taking advantage because you can. However, I hate to keep saying it.. but we are in difficult times and many are struggling right now. So, let’s focus on bringing more positivity to the world today.

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to practice a random act of generosity for today’s Asteya (non-stealing) Day. Need some ideas?

• Ask someone you care about who is having a tough time if you can help with household chores, or yard work, or anything else to make their lives easier and take something off their plate.
• If you have old luggage you no longer use, please consider donating to a foster care agency, since many foster children are forced to move with garbage bags.
• Purge toys, books, kitchen gadgets, and/or electronics you no longer use, and consider donating as appropriate to a local organization for the elderly, women and/or children.
• Consider making a cash donation to your local food bank, hospital, animal shelter, or another nonprofit or charity that is meaningful to you (I usually donate to World Wildlife Fund).
• Do a closet clean-out and donate clothes you do not wear any more… or consider starting a wardrobe tracking method to help identify what you do not wear and could donate. PS consider making the extra effort donating directly to local organizations for the homeless, elderly, women, or children rather than the easy dropboxes for Goodwill.

Want more Asteya practices? Check out our Asteya Guide!

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Share your Practice

Please comment to share your experience if you tried one of our suggestions, or let us know about one of your own! Always remember, be kind!