Asteya, one of the five yamas in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, translates to "non-stealing." It goes beyond the obvious of not stealing and includes a deeper practice of respect, honesty, and contentment. By embracing asteya, we foster a mindset of abundance and integrity, which can be reflected both in our yoga practice and daily life.

Abundance Over Scarcity

An Asteya mindset is rooted in the belief that there is enough for everyone. It recognizes abundance rather than scarcity, fostering a sense of generosity and openness. Individuals with this mindset trust that their needs will be met without resorting to taking what belongs to others.

Respect and Integrity

Practicing asteya means respecting others’ property, ideas, and time. This mindset values integrity and fairness, ensuring that interactions are based on mutual respect and honesty. It involves giving credit where it is due and acknowledging the contributions of others.

Contentment and Gratitude

Asteya encourages contentment (santosha) with what one has. It involves appreciating one's own possessions, abilities, and circumstances without coveting those of others. Gratitude plays a significant role, helping to shift focus from what is lacking to what is already present and abundant.

Mindfulness and Presence

This mindset includes being fully present and mindful in each moment, whether on the yoga mat or in daily life. It means engaging with tasks and relationships without distraction, recognizing the value of time and presence.

Generosity and Sharing

A student with an Asteya mindset is generous with their resources, knowledge, and time. They share freely and support others without expecting anything in return. This creates a positive cycle of giving and receiving within the community.

In essence, an Asteya mindset is about living with honesty, integrity, and a deep respect for the interconnectedness of all beings. It fosters a sense of inner peace and harmony with the world.

Practicing Asteya on the Mat

1. Respect Your Own Limits:

Leaning into what we learned about Ahimsa and Satya, Asteya asks you to honour your body's current state and avoid pushing beyond your physical capabilities. It’s a conscious choice rooted in kindness and compassions (Ahimsa) while tapping into what is true (Satya) for you on any given day. If we don’t practice Asetya in combination with the first two yamas, we rob ourselves of a practice that’s rooted in sustainability and longevity.

2. Avoid Comparison:

Focus on your own progress rather than comparing yourself to others in class. Yoga is a personal journey, and each person's path is unique. Comparing yourself to others robs you of an authentic practice. Every ‘body’ is different and every pose will look and feel different. What’s moderate and sustainable for you isn’t going to be what’s moderate and sustainable for the person beside you. Honour and respect your true needs and avoid comparing yourself to anyone else.

3. Be Present and Mindful:

Engage fully in each pose and movement. Getting lost in thought or not paying attention robs you of the gift of presence. Practice being fully present, without distractions, and respecting the time you’ve dedicated to your yoga. This can easily be applied to any tasks or to-do’s off your yoga mat as well.

Practicing Asteya off the Mat

1. Respect Others' Time and Resources:

Be punctual and considerate of other people’s schedules. Use shared resources mindfully and return them in good condition. In a yoga class, be mindful of how you enter the room,. Come in quietly and be respectful of coming in late or having to leave early. Things happen in life but communicate when you can if you’re running late or need to leave early. Time theft is a big part of Asteya and it’s one reason why I never, ever, end class late.

2. Cultivate Generosity and Fairness:

Share your knowledge and resources freely without expecting something in return. Give credit where it is due, acknowledging others' ideas and contributions. Yoga is about helping yourself so that you can better help others. This abundance mindset of Asteya is perfect for that. Give. The more you give, the more you will receive.

3. Practice Contentment and Gratitude:

Focus on being content with what you have rather than coveting what others possess. Regularly express gratitude for the things, people, and opportunities in your life. As mentioned above, gratitude is an excellent way to practice Asteya and embrace the mindset that you have enough, you are enough, you give enough.

Integrating asteya into both your yoga practice and daily life is an all encompassing journey that goes hand in hand with the first two Yama’s. It’s rare that you can pull one of these pieces of yoga philosophy and practice it in isolation. They build on one another to give a solid foundation in morality and personal conduct. I love the way the Yamas (and Niyamas) provide a framework for living yoga on and off the mat. With Asteya, you nurture a life of integrity, respect, and contentment. I encourage you to embrace this principle to create a more present and calming day to day life, both on and off the mat.

Thank you so much for reading. Comment below if you have any thoughts, feedback or practical examples of how you practice Asteya. If you’re looking for a yoga practice to accompany this Yama you can check out this class on my Virtual Yoga Membership on-demand library.

What is Asteya and How to Practice It On and Off the Mat