09/08/2026
As we journey through the 8 Limbs of Yoga, we pause today to consider Asteya, the 3rd of 5 ethical restraints that make up the 1st Limb of Yoga known as the Yamas. Asteya translates to mean non-stealing. Sounds simple, right?
Most of us are well aware that we should not take things from others that do not belong to us, nor should we take credit for ideas that are not our own. This is pretty straightforward when it comes to not stealing someoneâs yoga mat, walking out of a store or restaurant without paying, or claiming you came up with the concept of Post-It Notes when you didnât. But what about things that we canât physically see or touch? Letâs dig a little deeperâŚ
We can practice Asteya by respecting peopleâs time. This could actualize as not running late, staying on schedule, and using the time you have in the most efficient way possible. When we donât practice Asteya in this regard, we are stealing other peopleâs valuable, non-renewable time away from them.
Likewise, a big part of practicing Asteya is respecting other peopleâs energy. Sounds a little woo woo, doesnât it? That doesnât mean it isnât true! If we relentlessly harp on negativity, or we endlessly complain about anything and everything, we are draining all of the energy out of the people and spaces around us. Energy is contagious!! Energy is EVERYTHING!!! Hence, practicing Asteya and not stealing othersâ precious energy is essential!
Perhaps the hardest part of practicing Asteya is applying it to OURSELVES. Are you stealing from yourself? Examples of this might be procrastinating, which steals away from your productivity; scrolling your phone into the wee hours of the night, which steals away your oh-so-necessary sleep and rest; excessive worrying, which steals away from your peace, contentment, and overall wellness; and finally, not living presently and mindfully in the moment, which steals away all the good that is happening right in front of you.
Asteya might not be as simple as we thought at 1st glance! However, if we commit to practicing it as much as possible, all of our lives will be better for it!!
