Asteya & Brahmacharya...
Asteya means non-stealing, don’t be greedy, be firmly established in honesty; the exact meaning of asteya is to take nothing that does not belong to us. This includes not wishing or pining for what we haven’t got or can’t have. It means not taking time from others for example being on time for appointments and classes :) so that you are not taking energy from the person who has given you the time.
Asteya gives us the opportunity to open our hearts in a different way, to stand in another position and look in, to not take the side of hatred or blaming but to be aware of the good that prevails in most situations no matter how devastating it may be. Not to steal innocence but to instil trust and faith. When we honour Asteya our hearts expand and we become more generous on every level, when we stop taking we start giving.
How do we practice Asteya? Try to respect where you are physically and intellectually and not compare yourself to others. When we compare we not only lose a sense of self but we also take the energy from those that we are comparing ourselves with! This is a challenge but one worth taking as once we tame that part of us that compares we find comfort in our own space. Practice the virtue of Openness.
Brahmacharya means continence; don’t lose control. The original text mentions sexual continence, now days we can translate this more adequately as moderation in all things, by directing and conserving our energy. Desikachar says that ‘moderation produces the highest individual vitality.’ Vitality is important for health and well being; mentally as well as physically. When we over do anything we push the boundaries. Brahmacharya implies that nothing is wasted if we practice moderation in all things, too much or too little of anything may cause problems. Notice in nature how too much energy may cause a raging bush fire or flooding, and too little may cause drought.
So today lets think about how we can balance and direct our own energy through continued practice of Yoga. Balancing our energy helps those around us as well as the planet. Let our efforts towards moderation spiral off the mat and into the world. Practice the virtue of Moderation.
I hope this might provide a little more nourishment to your practice, just remember you don't need to practice for 1.5 - 2 hrs, if you haven't go much time facter in 20-30 mins. Lying in Savasana and focusing on your breath is Yoga and that can take as little as 5 mins to change your energy......try it now!
MJx