Caring For All
Like the Yamas before this one, the meaning behind Asteya, or non-stealing, goes well beyond refraining from shoplifting as there are subtleties in the ways that we may be stealing. We steal from others, from ourselves, and from the Earth. Here are several real-life examples of how you can practice Asteya.
1-Deep listening when others speak. Next time you are listening to someone, notice if you are actually listening or if you are already formulating your response. Deep listening keeps us from stealing another’s joy with our own story, as well as keeping the attention rightfully on the other person instead of stealing the limelight for ourselves.
2-Try not to compare yourself to others. Comparison makes us feel either superior or inferior, which only serves the ego. When I owned a studio, I forced myself to stop looking at the competition because it was completely demotivating. I was constantly ranking myself as better or worse than another studio, and it was exhausting, plus my worth as a studio owner was influenced by my mood, not from anything true.
3-Share your unique talents with the world. Wayne Dyer said, “Don’t die with your music still in you.” When we hold ourselves back, we are stealing from our future and from the future of all those who would benefit from our unique gifts.
4-Learn to give and take equally. Living in flow means you have to do both well. If you only give, then you must take what is freely given. Serve others in whatever way you can, but don’t steal their joy by refusing to allow them to serve you.
5-Treat the Earth with respect. All things in and of this Earth are for all the creatures who inhabit her. Don’t steal from future generations by not honoring Mother Earth by recycling, reusing, and reducing waste of all kinds. If you must cut down a tree, plant one. Grow flowers.
6-Notice and cultivate abundance in your life, and only take what you need. If you are grateful for this remarkable gift of a life, you will be less likely to take more than you need of anything. You will recognize a closet full of clothes is more than enough, and you won’t feel the need to buy more. You will look at your full cupboards and refrigerator and won’t over buy or waste food. You will recognize when your belly is full and you won’t overeat.
7-Practice mindfulness daily. Sometimes we are so busy multitasking, making progress, and accumulating things that we completely miss whole sections of our life. Have you ever just washed the dishes while washing the dishes? Feel the warm water, smell the soap, and have gratitude for fresh, running water? Life is in the details, and missing them may steal away precious moments.