The Third Yama – Non-stealing

12/13/10 by Jackie

After learning about Asteya, or non-stealing, I have been trying to decide where in my life I need to work on this the most. I have come to the conclusion that there are certain times I interrupt people in conversation. This is stealing their time, thoughts, and ideas from them and I am now actively trying to stop doing so. As I am not a very patient person, allowing people to speak their mind before I speak mine will hopefully help not only with Asteya, but with exercising patience as well. I think sometimes people get worried that if they don’t say what’s on their mind, they won’t get it out and no one will hear whatever ‘important’ thing it is they wanted to say. However, we can learn so much by listening to others. It reminds me of a quote by Mark Twain that I heard long ago – “If we were supposed to talk more than listen, we would have two mouths and one ear.” I am now trying to use my two ears more than my one mouth.

Taking before “it’s time.”

By Scribe

The thing that strikes me the most about asteya is how it relates to relationships on an emotional level. It has offered em a new perspective through which to think about what I demand or expect from certain relationships when it may not be something that has been openly expressed and agreed upon. It adds a whole other frame of reference from which to respect what other people are going through and where they might be in the relationship. Ongoing open and honest communication would seems to be a key practice to have with asteya.

Application of the Yama Asteya

As I think about work, people often “steal” each others time. Now I will become more reverant of both my time and others. The casual drive bys at the end of the night keep me from completing tasks or getting home to my loved one. I now will think twice before imposing on others. And, I have brought in a “do not disturb sign” from a hotel now as a way to close my door, hang the sign and create some space for me to not be interupted. This will need to be in balance for me as I know that my role requires me to be available to others, but I think it is quite okay to create some space for me too.