Asteya: Living in Abundance

Asteya: Living in Abundance, Not in Lack

Asteya, the third yama in the yoga tradition, means “not to steal.” This sounds simple, because most of us don’t steal consciously. But when we look deeper, we see that there are subtle ways in which we “steal” from ourselves and others. In this blog, we explore how to apply Asteya in your yoga and daily life, so that you can live from a place of abundance rather than lack.

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Classic example: The Monkey and the Cage

A classic example of Asteya is the story of the monkey who tries to grab a banana through the bars of a cage. As soon as he grabs the banana, his hand is stuck, because he cannot get the banana through the bars. The monkey has to let go of the banana to free himself, but his urge to hold on to what he wants keeps him trapped. This was a traditional way of catching monkeys in India: the monkey wanted to hold on to the banana so badly that he made himself unfree, simply by not letting go.

This story shows how we sometimes “steal” our time. When you bite off more than you can chew and are always in a hurry, you lose the richness of the moment. We rush from one task to the next, without really being present. This is also a form of stealing, from yourself and your experience.

Yoga tip : Take your time to come to your yoga class. Let go of the rush and be fully present on your mat.

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Asteya and Self-Acceptance: Everyone is Unique

In yoga, we often compare ourselves to others in the room. You want to do the poses just as perfectly as the other person. But what if we see everyone as a different piece of fruit? After all, you don't wonder why a banana doesn't look like a grape. Every body is unique and has its own strength and beauty.

By trying to be someone else, you steal from yourself. You rob yourself of the opportunity to appreciate your body experience and respect what makes you unique.

Yoga Tip : Adjust the pose to your body. Feel free in your movement, without trying to achieve a 'perfect' pose.

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Asteya and Presence: Be Here and Now

The Buddha once said, “Be where you are, or you will miss most of your life.” When your mind is somewhere else, you steal the present moment from yourself! In yoga and meditation, you learn to be present with your breath, your thoughts, and your emotions, without getting caught up in them or creating more drama in your Mind. This is the essence of asteya: experiencing the full richness of the moment.

Yoga tip : Close your eyes during poses or focus on a neutral object in the room. Bring your attention back to your breathing and body each time.

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Kundalini Yoga Meditation for Asteya

To balance Asteya, you can practice the Kundalini Yoga meditation "Attitude of Gratitude". The mantra in this meditation helps you to release negative energy and to experience prosperity - and that starts with accepting this moment with an attitude of gratitude.

This meditation opens the flow of abundance and helps you to live in gratitude.

Follow the meditation with the instructions on this page or follow the lesson on my online platform.

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Asteya in Daily Life

Asteya invites you to see what you already have, without longing for what others have. It asks for appreciation and gratitude for life as it is.

Tips for your lifestyle :

• Be aware of your time : Take the time to start your day calmly, without rushing.
• Accept your unique self : Don't compare yourself to others, but appreciate your own qualities.
• Live in the moment : Take regular short breaks to appreciate the present moment.

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Affirmation for Asteya:

“There is enough in my life. I am grateful for what I have and give myself the space to be present in the moment.”

By applying Asteya in your yoga and daily life, you will discover a deeper sense of fulfillment and inner richness. Not by wanting more, but by being present in the moment and appreciating what is already there.