Asteya/Non-Stealing

I have recently been asked to write about the yamas and the niyamas for this blog, and luckily I was present for the Eye Opener class where we talk about each of these topics and share what they mean to us.  Synchronicity seems to be the theme of the past few months.  I love it when I am asked to write about a topic that my tribe is openly discussing.  I also love seeing these principles in action.    Last week, at Doug’s Midtown Community Yoga’s Eye Opener class (This awesome class and discussion is Tuesday nights at 7 pm, you should come!)  we talked about Asteya.    
Asteya translates into this idea of non-stealing.  Many of us might find ways in which we steal from ourselves or steal the light of others.  One story that Urban Lotus’ Director of Development, Andrea Snow Moore shared the group was how the We Are One Flow Class of 2014 has truly embraced this idea of being a forklift.  During our training we learned about Asteya and we were challenged to find ways in which we could help each other.  We had to face our “not enough” feelings and insecurities and we were warned about the pitfalls of hoarding and taking.  
I will never forget when the world renowned guest Yoga teacher, Pradeep ask a pointed question after 10 hours of sweaty Bhakti yoga, during the first weekend of training.  He asked during our end of the day circle, “Does anybody need anything?”  I remember the first time he asked the question and I think many of us were asking ourselves does he mean like a ride home or something.  But that statement, and the idea of being a forklift has helped keep our Yoga community close, supportive, giving and encouraging.  It feels really good to approach the world from, “Do you need anything?  How can I support you?”  I can tell you that it is completely common for the teachers of We Are One to give you a big and long hug and ask, “Do you need anything?”  and they mean it.  If you have an idea of a community project, we are the first to help support that idea or get people to your classes.
And Sunday night, Reno showed up.  Reno was a huge forklift.  Much to the credit of Andrea Snow Moore and her partnership with Lululemon Athletica Reno and the Loving Cup and many more.  It was so amazing to see our dear friends and students as well as community partners all come together in support of the Urban Lotus Project.  Thank you Radhes. 
Here is a note from our fearless leader, Hannah B:
We want to thank everyone for coming to our fundraiser last night! Dia Del Lotus was made possible by lululemon athletica Reno. A big shout out the lululemons that helped put the event together! Also thanks to Pete and The Loving Cup, Collin and Marybeth with Roundabout Catering, Sara Gail for the beautiful poster, Jeff Thruston for our amazing new banner and Milton Merlos for playing the event! Thanks to all who donated to our amazing raffle: Arbonne, Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, Craft Wine and Beer, Double Edge Fitness, D Street Designs, Escape, FreeStyle Martial Arts, Freestyle Fitness, Full Pedal, Healing One, HelloYoga, Midtown Community Yoga, Mt Rose Ski Tahoe, Patagonia, Reno Bike Project, Temple Yoga Reno, The Studio Reno, Truth Tattoo, Joanna Jepsen LCMT, #1699, Cynthia Schrader Roy, Jamie Oberg and Angelique Callegari, LMT. 
We are so honored to have been able to see all the support we have in one room! Your contributions and support of this project is what makes it successful. Thank YOU for being part of the community, something bigger than yourself, and helping Urban Lotus Project continue to thrive. We love you!

By Jenn Olsen/Board of Director