Asteya for the Heart: Returning What We Have Taken

Megan H.
Sep 24
2 min read

Asteya, the practice of non-stealing, is not only about how we treat others.

In the heart space, it asks us to look honestly at the ways we take from ourselves; through distraction, disconnection, and forgetting the abundance already within.

Breath as Our First Source of Energy

When we breathe shallowly, hurriedly, or without awareness, we steal from our own vitality.

The breath is our first gift, the bridge between body and spirit.

To pause and breathe fully is to return stolen energy to ourselves.

In every mindful inhale, we give life back to the heart.

The Theft of Presence

We rob ourselves of joy when we are not fully here, when the mind drifts to yesterday’s regrets or tomorrow’s worries.

Asteya calls us to return to this moment.

Presence is the greatest wealth, and choosing to be here is choosing wholeness.

Yin as a Practice of Giving Back

In a culture of striving and constant doing, Yin yoga is a radical act of Asteya.

By resting, softening, and allowing, we stop stealing energy through overexertion.

Yin gives back to the body, replenishes the heart, and teaches us to take no more than we need.

The Gift of Self-Attention

To be there for ourselves, to listen inwardly, to nourish, to rest, are some of the greatest gifts we can give. When we neglect ourselves, we steal balance and ease from our own lives. Asteya in the heart reminds us that self-care is not selfish, but restorative.

Seeking Wisdom Within

We often look outside ourselves for validation, advice, or answers, believing others know better. In doing so, we steal from our own inner wisdom. Asteya asks us to trust the guidance of the heart, to honor intuition, and to walk in alignment with our own truth.

Living Asteya in the Heart

When we stop stealing breath, presence, rest, and wisdom from ourselves, we step into abundance. The heart opens, not through taking more, but by receiving what is already here.

To practice Asteya is to live gently, to take no more than we need, and to give back to ourselves the gift of wholeness.

Let's live authentically, whole, well, and free.

Love, Meg