Asteya is the 3rd yama. ( The yamas and niyamas are the moral precepts of yoga.)
Asteya, which means non-envy, non-stealing and non-covetousness, upholds the cultivation of completeness and self-sufficiency.
We have all experienced the feeling of insufficiency or not being enough. You probably first felt it when you were a child. You may have felt it the first time you experienced rejection. Many of us still experience that feeling of "if only.... then I would be good enough or perhaps "outstanding" and therefore would be highly respected or loved by many." Fame, money, good looks or talent do not guarantee happiness or wholeness. What is more likely to help grow a sense of completeness and fullness is gratitude. Cultivating gratitude in daily life can become a practice. Yes, it means you practice and commit to becoming grateful. One way I have found very useful is to begin or end each day, or both, by thinking of 5 things you are grateful for.
One of the easiest ways to do this is to keep a journal or note pad by your bedside. Before you go to sleep each night, write down five things your are grateful for. Do this for 1 week and see how it feels. The more you do this the more natural it will feel. It will eventually become a habit and a way of thinking. Over time you will no longer need to make a list.
By practicing gratefulness you will begin to shift your perception away from what you are lacking. You will become more aware of the gifts in your life and notice that new rich opportunities and experiences are plentiful.
About Me
- Maureen Braun
- Bellingham, Washington, United States
- I am a certified yoga teacher, artist and avid knitter. I have been teaching yoga since 1994 and currently do three large group classes, one small flow class and several private classes each week. Currently in the art realm I am working on my watercolors with the goal of completing one painting a week. However it varies from month to month. My new ART BLOG is my way of staying current with my intention of making art a priority in my life and sharing it with others.
2 comments:
A gratitude journal is a great way to end my day, but what about during the middle of it when things aren't going smoothly? I really want to try to incorporate wholeness and satisfaction into my workday, however sometimes I just get too busy and barely have time to chow down on lunch.
The gratitude journal is just a tool.
It is "a yoga practice". It is a time to undo your "conditioning" which may be to focus on what is NOT going well. As you practice focusing on what you have, what you appreciate, you begin to be more aware of it throughout your day. Gradually as you continue the practice your consciousness or perception begins to shift.
Some days you will be very busy, and it will feel impossible to shift your focus. Start with the days and times when you are not so busy... start where there is more ease. Be patient with yourself.
Changing old patterns takes time.
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