Hello, bonita! Today, we’re diving into another core principle of yoga philosophy—Asteya. If you’ve been following along, you know we’ve already covered Ahimsa (non-violence) and Satya (truthfulness). Now, it’s time to explore Asteya, a concept that, while traditionally translated as “non-stealing,” goes far beyond simply not taking what isn’t ours.
What Is Asteya?
At first glance, Asteya is about refraining from taking material possessions that don’t belong to us. It’s the idea that we should never steal an object from someone else. Simple, right? But like most things in yoga philosophy, there’s so much more to it.
Asteya teaches us not to take anything—not just physical objects. It encompasses energy, time, and even opportunities. It’s about earning what we receive through our own efforts, rather than looking for shortcuts or exploiting others.
Beyond Material Things
Think of all the subtle ways we might “steal” without realizing it. Have you ever interrupted someone mid-conversation or failed to fully listen to them? In doing so, you’ve likely stolen their time or energy. Asteya encourages us to be mindful of how we engage with others and ensure that we’re not draining them or taking advantage of their generosity.
For example, being intentional when interacting with someone ensures we’re not wasting their time. Just as lying can steal someone’s truth, showing up half-heartedly in conversations or commitments can steal their energy. These forms of stealing may not be as visible as taking a physical object, but they are just as impactful.
Connection with Other Yogic Principles
As we dive deeper into yoga philosophy, you’ll see how interconnected these principles are. Practicing Asteya naturally aligns with Satya—being truthful ensures we’re not misleading or taking advantage of others. Ahimsa (non-violence) connects too, as avoiding harm means we don’t drain others of their resources or spirit. Yoga’s teachings show that by practicing one principle, we start to naturally embody the others as well.
Giving More Than You Take
One beautiful aspect of Asteya is the idea of contributing more than we consume. Whether it’s in your community, workplace, or friendships, think about how much you give versus how much you take. Are you contributing enough time, energy, and value to others? Or are you only receiving?
It’s easy to fall into the habit of taking more than we give, whether it’s from relationships, social structures, or even the planet. Practicing Asteya invites us to assess our role and ensure we’re making a positive impact.
Be Present—Stop Stealing Time
One powerful way to practice Asteya is simply by being present. In today’s world, distractions are everywhere, and we often find ourselves half-engaged, multitasking, or scrolling through social media when we should be focusing on the person in front of us.
When we’re distracted, we’re essentially stealing time and energy—not only from others but also from ourselves. By being fully present in each moment, we honor both our time and the time of those we’re interacting with. Next time you’re with a friend, try putting your phone away and give them your undivided attention. It’s a small but impactful act of Asteya.
Practicing Asteya with Yourself
Yes, Asteya applies to the way we treat others, but it also reflects how we treat ourselves. How often do we steal our own time? Scrolling endlessly through social media, procrastinating, or indulging in habits that don’t serve us—these are all ways we steal from our personal growth and well-being.
When we waste time or engage in bad habits, we’re taking away from our own potential. We’re robbing ourselves of the opportunity to invest in healthier, more fulfilling activities. Every time we skip a workout or neglect self-care, we’re essentially stealing from ourselves.
Fitness and Asteya
In fitness, Asteya shows up in how we approach challenges. If you’ve ever felt tempted to take shortcuts—skipping workouts or looking for quick fixes—remember that you’re robbing yourself of long-term results. True progress comes from putting in the effort and facing challenges head-on.
By embracing the difficulties, whether in the gym or in life, we earn the rewards. There are no shortcuts, bonita! Every time I feel unmotivated, I remind myself of Asteya. We have to work for the reward—no stealing our own progress by avoiding the effort!
A Small Challenge for You
Speaking of challenges, I’d love to invite you to join my free 7-day challenge. Each day, I’ll introduce you to a small, simple habit to incorporate into your life. These little changes can make a big difference over time, and I truly believe you’ll start to see positive transformations. You can sign up at lucianowellness.com/challenge. Let’s grow together, bonita!
Final Thoughts
So, what do you think about Asteya? Is it a new concept for you, or have you been practicing it all along? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Feel free to comment below or reach out to me on Instagram @LucianaWellness. Let’s keep the conversation going and learn from each other. Until next time, bonita!
