01/06/2026
In the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Asteya is the third of the Yamas and is commonly translated as non-stealing. While it may seem straightforward, Asteya extends far beyond refraining from taking what does not belong to us. It invites us to examine how we use our time, energy, attention and resources, and to cultivate a sense of contentment with what we already have.
At its core, Asteya is the practice of trusting that there is enough. Enough time, enough success, enough opportunity, enough worth. It encourages us to move away from scarcity and toward gratitude for what is present in our lives.
Think about what Asteya looks like both on and off the mat. On the mat, it may be respecting the shared space by arriving on time and allowing others room to move freely. Being fully present, rather than letting our attention be stolen by distractions, our phones, expectations, or the next item on our to-do list. Off the mat, Asteya may be generously acknowledging the contributions of others or protecting your peace by stepping away from situations that drain your energy. When we trust that there is enough abundance in this world to be shared, we can celebrate the achievements of others without feeling that anything has been taken away from us ✨️
