When I first started delving more into the discipline of yoga the Yamas and Niyamas really spoke to me. They have often been compared to the 10 commandments, but overall they are reminders of how to be a good human. Good to yourself and good to others.
In my last blog I wrote a bit on Satya, or truthfulness. Over this past week or so I have tried to come back to this teaching and ask myself, have I acted and spoken so correctly that I have not had to go back and apologize. I’d like to think the answer is a wholehearted yes, but of course I can think of a few instances. I do know that I have been more aware and precise with my wording to be clear and honest. I know I have said more often right away when there is a task or event I can or can’t go to, so that I didn’t have to go back and change plans. I am trying not to overstretch - pun intended :).
The next Yama is asteya, or non-stealing. As you can imagine by now this does not just mean not stealing something from your friend or the store. It goes deeper into the relationship we have with ourselves. Going back to satya, when we are truthful then we also are not stealing from our own selves and future. When we take more than we need, we are stealing in a sense from others. Asteya helps make us more accountable to ourselves. Once we get to know ourselves, we are present to give and receive what we have asked for.
It is the season of giving and receiving - a perfect time to reflect and be grateful for all we have and all we are able to give.
In Peace,
Pam
