It’s Time to Share Your Gifts
Alright, buckle up, my lovely lot – we’re diving deep into the sticky, sometimes squirmy world of holding back. And no, I’m not talking about saving the last slice of pizza to be polite. I’m talking about asteya, one of the foundational teachings of yoga – translated as “non-stealing.” But wait, it’s not as simple as not nicking things. This is the art of not holding back on who you are and what you’ve got. Yep, we’re all thieves in our own way, pinching parts of ourselves from the world. Time to get real about why that happens and how we can stop.
So, let me ask you this – where in your life are you holding back? Where are you quietly closing the lid on parts of yourself that could be out there, in the light, shared with the world? It’s human, yeah. But here’s what I need you to get: anything less than sharing your true self, your natural talents, your energy, your kindness – that’s theft, my friends.
Why We Withhold – And Why It’s a Killer
Let’s get to the heart of it. Ever notice how often we’re running on low? Physically, mentally, or spiritually tapped out. And when we’re low on juice, what’s the first thing we do? Withhold. We ration our energy, our time, our love – thinking we’ve got to preserve what little we have. So, we end up saying, “No, not today,” or “Can’t be bothered,” or “Maybe tomorrow.”
Now, I’m not saying go and exhaust yourself. But here’s the kicker: the more we withhold, the more energy we leak. The same energy that could help us show up fully, express freely, and live joyfully. That habit of holding back is like dragging a dead weight around – except that weight is you, clinging to your own precious gifts and not sharing them. Exhausting, isn’t it?
The Power of Prana – Fuel to Be Generous
Now, here’s where yoga saves the day. Yoga isn’t just some bendy, stretchy activity to make us look good on Instagram. Yoga’s a tool for building energy – pure, unfiltered prana, or life force, running through your veins. And guess what? When you’re energized, you’re way more inclined to give. Because that’s what asteya is really about: tapping into your own generous, open self – the one that isn’t afraid of scarcity or being drained because you know you’ve got an endless source inside you.
So how do we access this energy on the mat? Try some gentle backbends, like a passive heart opener on a bolster. Let your chest open, feel your heart expand, and breathe into that sense of being supported. You’re literally inviting more energy in, releasing the tension that keeps you guarded, small, and closed. This is where we refill that prana tank – where we find that we’ve got way more to give than we thought.
Practical Ways to Stop Withholding (and Start Flowing)
Alright, let’s get down to it. Asteya isn’t just about holding off on stealing your neighbor’s wifi or stopping yourself from raiding your partner’s chocolate stash. It’s about giving freely of what you have to offer, without holding back. So here are a few steps to start living generously:
Do a Reality Check on Your Energy:
Ask yourself, “Where am I putting conditions on my energy and love?” and get real. Are you holding back in relationships, saving your “best self” for only certain people or situations? Notice how often you’re playing it safe with your energy.
Small Acts of Unconditional Generosity:
Be generous in tiny ways every day. Say what’s in your heart. Give without expecting anything in return. Trust me, it’ll feel awkward at first, but it’s the path to genuine freedom.
Tap Into Backbends to Stoke the Fire:
Grab that bolster again, lie down, and let your upper back drape over it. Feel your heart open, relax into the support, and let go of the urge to hold tight. This posture helps you connect to your own energy source – making it easier to show up fully in your life.
Burn Away What’s Holding You Back:
If you’re ready for a little more, try some gentle breathwork like kapalabhati (skull-shining breath). This technique builds inner fire and clears the muck that clouds your spirit. It’s cleansing, invigorating, and a fantastic way to raise your energy so you feel naturally ready to give without holding back.
It’s Time to Share Your Gifts
Here’s the bottom line: when we hold back, we’re cheating ourselves and everyone around us. Yoga is about building the energy and courage to give freely, without worrying that we’ll be left empty. When you start living generously, it’s like tapping into a bottomless well. The more you give, the more you’ve got.
So next time you’re holding back – whether it’s your creativity, your compassion, or even just a kind word – ask yourself, “Am I stealing from myself?” You’ve got more to offer than you realize. And remember, anything less than sharing your true gifts is theft.
Ready to Stop Holding Back?
Dive deeper with us! Join the YL App – your anytime, anywhere yoga studio and community. Here, you’ll find the guidance, community, and tools to access the energy, clarity, and strength to show up fully in every part of your life.
Sign up, start practicing, and start living in a way that’s true to who you are. Because the world needs you. Don’t hold back.
With love
Josie
