Hello everyone!

I have missed you all so much! I am officially back after a short, soul-filling break spent visiting family in Texas. It was a wonderful trip, highlighted by a surprisingly successful road trip with our cat, Smokey (who handled the miles like a pro!).

Believe it or not, so much has changed in just two short weeks. Most importantly, our family grew by four paws! We recently rescued a dog, and he has been the exact sparkle we needed in our lives. I feel completely renewed with love to give.

His name is Bilbo, after the Hobbit. Since Gollum famously called Bilbo a "thief," the name is incredibly fitting for this week’s theme because our little Bilbo has definitely stolen our hearts!

Exploring Asteya: The Gift of Integrity

It is so poetic that Bilbo joined our family just as we began looking at Asteya, the third Yama, which translates to "non-stealing."

As we continue reviewing the first limb of yoga, it’s helpful to remember the beautiful, overarching theme of the Yamas: To Allow. When we practice the Yamas, we allow ourselves to rest in our true essence, no matter what energies or "essences" are surrounding us.

Yoga Sutra 2.37 tells us: "When we are firmly established in integrity, all riches present themselves freely."

At first glance, Asteya seems simple: don’t take what isn’t yours. But when we look beneath the surface, there are so many subtle, life-changing teachings tied to this concept.

The Mind: Earning the Wealth

Asteya encourages us to free ourselves from the desire to have something that isn't ours. It’s about the dignity of earning our own way and not avoiding the "work" of our lives. As the saying goes, "Wealth without work is wrong."

We see this on our yoga mats every day! We put in the "work" (the movement and effort of the Asana practice) to rightfully earn the "wealth" of the practice: the deep peace of Savasana and Samadhi.

The Heart: Being Kind to Ourselves

Stealing doesn't always involve physical objects. Often, we steal from ourselves.

• Do we make promises to ourselves that we don’t keep?

• Are we constantly late to appointments, stealing time from others?

• Do we hoard more than we need, or carry a sense of entitlement in our relationships?

We even steal from our own spirits when we lack compassion for ourselves. When we enter a situation thinking only of what we can get rather than what we can give, we are out of alignment with Asteya.

The Emotions: Moving from Lack to Abundance

Coveting wanting what someone else has is a normal human emotion. However, when taken to the extreme, it creates a "state of lack." It breeds mistrust, anger, and jealousy. We become afraid of losing what we have, or bitter about what we don’t.

This emotional "theft" drains our energy (our Prana). When we seek fulfillment outside of ourselves, we steal from our own internal peace.

Asteya on the Mat

This week in class, let’s practice Asteya by staying within our body’s limits. Don’t "steal" a pose by overstretching or forcing a shape your body isn't ready for. Instead, move with integrity and appreciation for what your body can do today.

By moving with your breath, you are replenishing your Prana and staying present.

Living Intentionally

Our mantra for the week is simple and powerful:

"I have enough. I am enough."

A Note from My Garden (Journaling Questions)

Wanting or desiring something isn’t inherently bad; it only becomes a hurdle when we allow it to consume us. For example, I have a deep desire for roses, peonies, and snowdrops in my garden. Despite all my attempts, they refuse to grow back!

My neighbors have the flowers of my dreams, and every spring, I feel that "desire" nudge toward "coveting." But lately, I’ve chosen to learn from them instead. I look at those thriving flowers and ask: What direction do they like most? How much sun are they getting? What can I do to help my own space thrive?

Nature teaches us to notice and be present. Once we are truly present, Asteya this sense of being whole and complete comes naturally to us.

This week, I invite you to journal on these questions:

• What makes me feel jealous?

• Is there a deeper fear or attachment underneath that feeling?

• How can I show myself more integrity today?

I can’t wait to see you all on the mat and share more stories of Bilbo’s adventures!

With love and light,