Asteya, or non-stealing, is about more than just physical theft—it’s about recognizing when we take time, energy, or even opportunities from others or ourselves. This episode dives into how we can practice gratitude, avoid comparison, and find satisfaction with what we already have. Asteya teaches us that true abundance comes from appreciating the present moment. Find me at https://www.eqyoga.co.uk/

Transcript

Welcome back to All Things Yoga with Vicky. Today’s Yama is Asteya, which means non-stealing. Now, you might be thinking, ‘I’ve never stolen anything, so this one doesn’t apply to me.’ But Asteya is so much broader than just taking physical things—it’s about all the ways we ‘take’ without realizing it.

Traditionally, Asteya is about avoiding theft. But in a modern context, it’s about so much more. Let’s think about time. Have you ever been late to a meeting? Or scrolled on your phone during a conversation? That’s stealing someone’s time and attention.

Asteya also applies to energy. Are you taking too much from others without giving back? For example, venting about your problems but not being there for your friends when they need support.

And what about stealing from yourself? This can look like procrastinating or making choices that don’t serve your highest good. Maybe it’s staying up late scrolling on your phone and then feeling too tired to enjoy the next day.

In a consumer-driven world, Asteya can also be about rethinking our relationship with material things. Do we really need more stuff, or are we just filling a void? Decluttering and practicing gratitude for what you already have can be powerful ways to embrace Asteya.

For me, practicing Asteya is also about appreciating the little things. When we’re content with what we have, we stop feeling the need to take from others or the world. Gratitude is a big part of this practice.

So, this week, I invite you to reflect on Asteya. Notice where you might be taking more than you need—whether it’s time, energy, or even physical things—and see how you can shift towards giving instead. Thanks for listening, and I’ll see you next time for Brahmacharya