We all crave success, but often feel lost and unsure of the path forward. What if the key lies not in external validation, but in harnessing the potent wisdom within our own bodies and minds? This blog series delves beyond the physical aspects of yoga. For this entry, we’re considering the ethical disciplines, moral obligations, otherwise known as Yama, which are outlined in depth in the great text, The Yoga Sutra of Patañjāli. Particularly, we are transitioning into one of the eight limbs of yoga (Yama) by exploring the powerful philosophy of Asteya (literally translates into A = not, Steya = stealing) or non-stealing, taking responsibility for providing for oneself). Other aspects of Asteya include using something for a different purpose to that intended, or beyond the time permitted by its owner. The essential facet of Asteya is minimalism, taking only what is necessary to complete a particular endeavor. In this post, we’re going to visit Asteya and how it intersects with transformative Somatic Coaching practices.
Somatic Coaching: Unmasking Limiting Beliefs
Somatic Coaching, echoing the ancient wisdom of Asteya, emphasizes the interconnectedness of mind and body. Similar to Asteya’s principle of living truthfully and ethically, Somatic Coaching encourages us to stop “stealing” our potential through limiting beliefs and self-sabotaging behaviors. Practices like body scans and felt sense meditation guide us to explore the physical manifestations of these beliefs, fostering self-awareness and compassion. Imagine someone struggling with chronic fatigue and procrastination. Through Somatic Coaching, they discover a link between their exhaustion and a subconscious fear of failure. Guided by Asteya’s call for honesty and self-exploration, this realization empowers them to confront their limiting belief and reclaim their energy for pursuits aligned with their values.
Asteya: Your Guiding Light
Asteya invites us to live with integrity and honesty, both towards ourselves and others. This resonates with Somatic Coaching’s emphasis on self-awareness and ethical conduct. Consider exploring your values through somatic practices and reflecting on how your actions align with them. This journey isn’t about perfection, but about cultivating a mindful presence and ethical intentions in everyday life.
This holistic approach goes beyond just mastering physical postures. It’s about aligning our inner world with our outer actions, building fulfilling relationships, and making a positive impact on the world. It’s about embracing Asteya’s wisdom and unlocking our true potential, step by mindful step. And, with each step, with each act of giving, we are achieving societal balance (sattva).
Let’s explore some tangible and actionable steps and resources to help you integrate Asteya into your daily life and create your own personalized journey towards holistic success. Remember, this journey isn’t limited to specific physical postures, but rather it’s a powerful exploration of self-awareness and ethical living.
1. Start with Self-Inquiry:
• Listen to your body: Instead of rushing into action, pause for a moment and observe your physical sensations. Are you feeling tense or relaxed? Are there any areas of discomfort? This mindfulness practice helps you connect with your inner wisdom and identify potential roadblocks aligned with Asteya’s principle of non-stealing, not just from others, but also from yourself through ignoring your needs.
• Explore your emotions: Reflect on your thoughts and feelings throughout the day. Are you being honest with yourself and others about your emotions? Asteya encourages authenticity and transparency. Journaling or talking to a trusted friend can help you process emotions and identify areas where you might be “stealing” or “sabotaging” your emotional truth.
• Examine your values: What matters most to you in life? Aligning your vows and or intentions (sankalpa) and actions with your core values (your satya [truth]) is key to inner harmony and success. Spend time reflecting on your truth and values and how they might be guiding or hindering your choices. This aligns with Asteya’s call for ethical conduct and living with integrity.
2. Cultivate Self-Compassion:
• Challenge limiting beliefs: Self-doubt, self-sabotage, and negative thought patterns often act as barriers to success. Asteya encourages us to confront these limitations honestly. Practice affirmations and visualizations to challenge limiting beliefs and replace them with empowering thoughts aligned with your values.
• Practice self-forgiveness: We all make mistakes. Instead of dwelling on self-criticism, practice self-compassion and forgiveness. Acknowledge your shortcomings, learn from them, and move forward with kindness towards yourself. This aligns with Asteya’s principle of non-harming, the principle of ahimsa (more here) which extends to yourself.
• Celebrate small wins: Recognizing and celebrating your progress, no matter how small, keeps you motivated and reinforces positive behaviors. Asteya encourages us to appreciate our efforts and acknowledge our journey
3. Building Meaningful Connections:
Embodying Asteya in Relationships:
Asteya’s principle of non-stealing extends beyond our internal world to our interactions with others. Let’s explore how to cultivate meaningful connections:
• Practice active listening: Pay genuine attention to others with empathy. Asteya emphasizes respecting perspectives and avoiding “stealing” someone’s voice through interrupting or dismissive behavior. Ask clarifying questions and truly hear their thoughts and feelings.
• Communicate honestly and openly: Express your needs and desires clearly and respectfully. Asteya advocates for transparent communication and avoiding deception. Be mindful of your words and actions, ensuring they align with your values and don’t “steal” from others through dishonesty.
• Offer help and support: Share your resources, knowledge, and time when possible. Asteya promotes generosity and contributing to the well-being of the community. Look for opportunities to help others and build genuine connections based on mutual respect and ethical conduct.
Remember: The pursuit of meaningful connections and strong relationships is akin to weaving a delicate tapestry of mutual understanding and enriching ever-evolving interconnectedness. Be patient, forgive yourself and others for imperfections, and celebrate the small wins along the way. By integrating Asteya’s wisdom into your relationships, you contribute to a more harmonious and ethical world, one interaction at a time.