When I started reading yoga philosophies I realized there is more to yoga than being extremely flexible, having a flat tummy, perfect slim body. We often think yoga as a calorie burner, stress reducer, weight loss enabler while these are all true, yoga is more than that. What I knew about yoga was a tip of an iceberg.
Yoga has eight limbs as we all have heard and we have pretty much know, practiced atleast three of them,
Asanas - The beautiful poses
Dhyana - Meditation
Pranayama - Breathing techniques
Here we are to explore about the Yamas - The first limb of Ashtanga yoga.
My favorite one in the Yamas is Asteya, the non stealing.
We consider ourselves as compassionate, kind, nurturing souls who do the right thing, well most of the time. But we do steal, A LOT
Stealing doesnt have to be taking someone's money, doing shoplifting or anything that may be considered crime under law. Stealing can be anything that we do by using our power, smartness, effort, influence to accomplish something thats rightfully not ours in the first place.
We steal
time from our friends, families, anyone that listens by talking about anything and everything under the sun. If they listen, we talk. There is no Off switch for us.
attention from people by being extra smart, extra funny, extra kind, extra beautiful because we all love that attention. We even go to an extent of stealing someone's thunder or a big moment just because we simply can.
kindness and pampering from our loved ones by faking illness or being upset for no reason.
power and authority from able places just to get things done.
How to avoid? By simply remembering and practicing
Compassion
Mindfulness
Gratitude
Patience
As I said, we all steal and that cannot be avoided all the time. But being mindful when we do so will help us stop and reduce it. This will definitely make us and everyone around feel light and joyful.
I have attached my youtube video about Asteya. (Tamil version). Take care!
Love and Light,
Pon
Dec 1 2022