Enquiries Into Yogic Philosophy

Day 3 #5daysofyama – Asteya

June 20, 2014

yama_day3Today’s yama is Asteya.  Loosely translated this means refraining from taking/stealing.  At a deeper level, this yama implies controlling desires and reducing wants, because as well all know, desires and wants are infinite.  This yama is also about freedom from avarice.  So come all ye hoarders and give away everything gathering dust in your corners.  According to Feng Shui, accumulated clutter attracts negativity.  Indian homes get a face lift once a year during Diwali when we start white washing and dusting our homes.  Instead of making it a yearly routine, focus on de-cluttering periodically.  You’ll be surprised to know that de-cluttering your surroundings has a calming effect on your mind.  Today take a good look at your closets (we all have skeletons of sizes and fittings past) and pull out something to donate or give away.  I did this in February, and a friend of mine did this a week ago.  Trust us, you will feel lighter.  If lightening your load by one item of clothing feels good, re-assess the rest of your wardrobe.  By now you may feel exhilarated (hopefully), so take a look at your kitchen cabinets and your bathroom cabinets as well!  Reduce.  Reuse. Recycle.

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