4 Ways to Practice Asteya for the Environment This Week
ASTEYA (NON-STEALING) YOGA PHILOSOPHY CHALLENGE
We recently started a Yoga Philosophy Challenge inspired by asteya, by refraining from using any single-use plastic for a whole week.
Asteya means non-coveting and non-stealing, and it’s the third yama (self-restraint) in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. So how is plastic related to this yama?
Well, I assume none of us are petty shoplifters, but we probably “steal” in other ways. Like stealing from the environment (stealing years off the earth’s life) by perpetuating our reliance on single-use plastic.
In “Light on Yoga,” BKS Iyengar describes steya (stealing) like this:
“It includes not only taking what belongs to another without permission, but also using something for a different purpose to that intended, or beyond the time permitted by its owner.”
Perhaps the most damaging way that we as humans have done this is through our treatment of the environment. We’ve used plastic in more frivolous, unnecessary ways than it was ever intended.
Here are some ways that we can practice Asteya for the Environment:
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Saying no to plastic straws and bags
The trickiest part is often just remembering to ask for “no straw,” or remembering to bring your replacements, like a canvas bag, or a Final Straw. Find ways to make this a habit, like always keeping them in your purse.
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Wrap your leftovers differently
Consider purchasing beeswax wraps, or organizing your Tupperware, so that you don’t have to use plastic cling wrap and Zip-lock bags.
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Find a bulk or zero waste store in your area
Most cities now have bulk or zero waste stores, where you bring your own containers (like jars and Tupperware), weigh them, and fill them with whatever groceries you need.
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Pick up trash wherever you go
If you see plastic on the street–pick it up and take personal responsibility to see that it is recycled properly. A bonus side effect of this is that others may observe what you’re doing, and want to follow suit.
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Here’s something I realized about supply/demand from practicing this challenge.
Here in Bali, many locals like their fruit juices really sweet. When I first came to Bali, if you wanted plain fruit juice, you had to remember to ask for “no sugar,” or else it would come tasting more like dessert than fruit.
Over the years, more and more people have asked for “no sugar,” in their juice, so that now, at most local places, if you ask for watermelon juice, the waiter will ask you first: “do you want that with sugar?” Lately, the assumption is “no sugar,” so you have to ask for it if you want it. What was once the default, is now an option that needs to be specifically requested.
That’s exactly what should be happening with single-use plastic. We should be making it so common and popular to ask for “no plastic,” that it becomes the default option.
If enough of us in the world do what we all have been doing this week, plastic will stop being the default, and start being just an option for those who really need it.
Asana for Asteya
Stealing from the planet can be chalked up to a root chakra (muladhara) issue, as we get stuck in our ways and fail to question our dependence on plastic.
Hip openers can be good for getting us un-stuck.
Try:
Anantasana
Vishnu is the protector deity in Hindu mythology, and this asana is named after the snake (Ananta) that he lies on in rest. Just as Vishnu protects the world and preserves dharma, we too can protect the environment.
If you like hearing the stories and philosophy behind the asana, join the next Gods of Yoga Teacher Training in Bali–coming up in August! It’s a deeply spiritual immersive experience into the Hindu mythology of asana.
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Want to be a part of the Yoga Philosophy Challenge? Each week we go through one yama and niyama, challenging ourselves to weave those principles into our lives in specific ways.
At the end of each week, I’ll provide a little recap of what we experienced as a group here. To be ahead of the curve, sign up to join the weekly challenge here!