Asteya/non-covetousness
When working with asteya we are growing our ability to resist a desire for that which does not belong to us. We become aware that everything we truly need is present and therefore have no needs that aren't met. This applies to all aspects of not taking what is not ours - true generosity of thought, speech and action. Because of this non-covetous air created by practicing asteya, the practitioner gains other's confidence and trust. Everything is then shared with her, however precious it may be.
We can experiment with asteya during our asana practice by working non-competitively and looking to fellow practitioners for inspiration rather than casting judgments or negatively comparing ourselves. Perhaps next time you're in class and you see your neighbor with her leg over her head or in some crazy arm-balance, notice if you're envious and comparing yourself by thinking something along the lines of "I could never do that". If that is the case, consciously shift your thoughts to something like "that's beautiful, I will do that some day", which provides for a supportive and non-covetous environment for you and your fellow practitioner.
Here are some proactive ways and ideas to cultivate asteya in our daily lives: being conscious of the triangle of reduce/reuse/recycle, giving away what we don't need or use, treading lightly on Mother Earth's precious resources, and performing acts of selfless service (seva).
These examples provide a wonderful platform and bridge for the 4th yama: bramacharya or moderation.
"Wanting and not wanting are both you. The movement of wanting can never stop. Wanting not to want is also a want. The ending of want is death." ~U.G. Krishnamurti
