In March, we continue to work with the yamas, the universal code of ethics prescribed in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, to apply to our lives with the intent of providing greater happiness and fulfillment. This month, we focus on asteya or non-stealing. Swami Jnaneshvara Bharati, a scholar of the Yoga Sutras, offers this translation: “when non-stealing is established, all jewels or treasures present themselves or are available to the yogi.”

The deeper meaning of this sutra goes well beyond stealing material goods. It means not taking what is not offered, which includes emotions, time, energy, and beliefs. The urge to steal, in this context, comes from a deep belief that we are not enough: it comes from a place of victimhood and feels completely disempowering. As a result, the urge causes us to look for happiness outside of ourselves by controlling relationships or situations. However, being a control addict or being the subject of one always leads to increased suffering!

Let go, let go, let go—and make space to receive the treasures that are being given to you when you open the door to receiving them!  By letting go of the belief that you are not enough and beginning to trust your connection to the boundless source manifested in you, life begins to flow.

In your asana practice, notice how asteya appears: look to the sensations in your own body to guide you and notice how the thought, “I am not ‘enough’ (thin, flexible, young, etc.)” shows up. Notice that thought, and choose to say “no” to it. Go inside and trust.

March updates:

• Five chances to practice with Debbie Marquette. We are thrilled to have Debbie teaching five classes (four Basics and one Gentle) in the latter half of March. We know everyone will enjoy these chances to practice with her!
• Restorative class on Sun., March 12, at 5:45 p.m. For a special opportunity to relax deeply, join Angie for the monthly Sunday-night Restorative class. Create your own mini-retreat by taking Shigeko’s 4 p.m. Basics class that day and then staying for Restorative.
• Asteya focus for Living Our Yoga. This month’s Living Our Yoga class, on Fri., March 31, focuses on the third yama, asteya (non-stealing). In this class, Alice and Angie combine the traditional yin asanas with thematic readings and teachings to enhance students’ experience and to create conditions that may take them deeper into the mind, body, and spirit aspects of their practice.
• Two monthly classes at The Downing Museum. In March we continue at The Downing Museum for our second-Saturday yoga class and fourth-Saturday meditation class. We are grateful for the demand for these classes and for the opportunity to practice in such a beautiful space every month, and a few spaces remain for March. See this page for links to the online registration forms, which will be disabled when the classes are full.

For a full list of March classes, please see the calendar page or pick up a hard copy available at The Pots Place. We also post updates each morning on our Facebook page should you find it convenient to keep up with us there.

Accessing studio after class has begun: Remember that even if the front door is locked when you arrive, you can still join us for class. Just come to the back door of The Pots Place (look for the blue building) and ring the buzzer. The teacher will then unlock the door remotely for you to enter through the pottery studio.