Mind + Body + Heart Food
Asteya | Non-stealing, a yama, ethical behavior plus respect for self and others. At the surface level, most of humanity understands this universal commandment, “thou shall not steal”. Found in many theological texts and indigenous tribal ways of life. There are deeper threads to this wisdom that ultimately unfolds as you practice non-stealing or simply choose to participate in a respectful way of life.
The subtle layers of asteya are very profound when you begin to observe them in and around you. Intertwined with this is to not covet (desire/grasp for) what others have. This is not limited to material things. This includes coveting another person’s mental, physical, emotional and/or spritual states of being. This would encompass being envious of their relationships, success and so on. Another facet of practicing non-stealing is to avoid accumulate unnecessary ‘stuff’ (aka hording). This is stealing physical space and keeping what might be needed from another. SPACE (ETHER) is the most powerful element to work with. More motivation to keep extra ‘space’ near you. Further introspection, reflect on how you are respecting your time and others, consistently showing up late is viewed as stealing another person’s time. The most precious energy you have to offer is your ‘time’. Finally, emotionally respecting another individuals goals and dreams, undermining them is stealing their joy. These additional layers can give you greater context to the subtle ways your mind, body, heart and soul can practice asteya. When you have a deeper awareness at how close you are to embodying ‘asteya’…you will be entering a life that is authentically abundant. Essentially shifting from taking to receiving + giving. The interdependent flow within all of us and nature. Reciprocation.
The world is metamorphising. The very infrastructure of this earth system is built on “stealing”. There are a lot of manipulations (smoke and mirrors) that have filled our society with an unsustainable system for living life and the seven generations to come. The simplest place for you to begin helping self and others is evaluating your relationship with ‘asteya’. Then, begin to practice living respectfully with your fellow humanity. It is within the deeper subtle contemplations that you might be surprised at where there is room for improvement. Ultimately, uncovering the jewels that are intended for you.
A path of abundance rather than restriction. “Sutra 2.37 : when one is firmly established in non-stealing, all jewels appear.” Yoga Sutras, Patanjali
How you might be ‘stealing’?
+Stealing time + attention
+Stealing credit and ideas
+Stealing from your present and future self
+Stealing phsyically, mentally, emotionaly, and spiritually from self and others
All of which leads to scarcity and constriction. We are literally going through a profound passage where we have the opportunity to do our part in transforming the habits of our minds, hearts, bodies and souls into an altruistic place of respect, trust and abundance.
Simple ways to embody Asteya (non-stealing)?
Cultivate gratitude for what you have
Be concious of what you are consuming…mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually
Avoid unnecessary purchases and/or taking what is not yours, especially from the quantum field…including others creative expression (aka IP Human + AI which inherently is stealing in ways that everyone do not understand).
Respect yours and others time by being punctual and present/engaged in conversations.
Encourage others goals and dreams. Celebrate each other.
Cauliflower + Zuchini Soup with BlackBeans
4
servings10
minutes30
minutesThis is a simple soup as a we transition into Fall and Spring. Here in Southern California it has been quite HOT. You can even eat this on the cooler side.
Ingredients
2 Tbsp Olive Oil with 1 Tbsp of Ghee
2-3 Cloves of Garlic, minced
1 Leek, sliced
Dried Spice Blend (1/4 tsp each): Turmeric, Oregano, Basil, and Cumin
14 oz. of black beans soaked over night (cook till soft/season with cracked pepper), or organic, canned (drain+rinse)
Cauliflower (1 Head), rough chop
Zucchini (2 small), sliced (1/2”)
5 Cups of Vegetable Stock or Spring Water
1 Cup Coconut Milk with Cream (substitute heavy cream)
1-2 tsp(s). Chili+Garlic Hot Sauce
Himalayan Salt + Fresh Cracked Pepper
Directions
Heat the oil and ghee on medium heat. Add Garlic, Leek and Dried Spice Blend.
Saute till spices pop and Leek + Garlic soften.
Add Cauliflower and Zucchini stir for 1-2 minutes, add 1/4 C of Broth, if needed.
Pour in Coconut Milk, Broth, Himalayan Salt, Cracked Pepper and Chinese Chili+Garlic Sauce. Cook on medium for 15-20 minutes. Remove from heat.
Then, decide if you want this to be a creamy blended soup or a brothy soup.
Add the black beans stir in. If you want it to be creamy blend with an emulsifier or blender. If not, simmer the soup for 10 minutes to warm the black beans.
Serve with fresh Himalayan Salt, Crack Black Pepper and Fresh Basil.
Sweet Basil. As inspired, reserve your summer crops of basil. You can lightly blanch, drain, dry and freeze for winter sauces and meals. The detailed instructions on how to preserve will be on my website after this weekend. It will be there with the Cauliflower + Zucchini Soup with Black beans recipe.
It has been said that origins of basil seem to be conflicting from India, Africa and Southeast Asia. I would imagine it was destined to be in all these places, including Italy, Egypt, Greece and more. The folklore, medicinal and “magical” claims are rather full spectrum which suggests to me that it will adapt with the one growing, harvesting and cooking with it. My encouragement would be to use it with and for love…the strongest medicine LOVE will transmute any and all situations.
Kindess Matters.
I was shopping at a local Japanese Market. We walked in and met Seiichi and her husband. He was so generous to share all their great work and educated us about the region of Vietnam that they source their cashews from and all the toppings from matcha, charcoal, sesame, and more.
If inspired, check out their story and learn about the power of cashew nuts.
Please share their great work with friends in the region and give them a follow on SM.
If you visit Japan, you can order and they will deliver right to your hotel.
They might still be here this weekend at Mitsuwa Market.
The bottom right is their mamezin roasted soybean and the top left is the *Wasabi Mizuho Rice Cracker (different creator). *They are vegetarian-friendly and free of added MSG, though they do contain wheat, unnatural dye and soy allergens. I am still living. They really clear out your nasal pathways.
Women’s Rhythm.
You are unique. Everyday is different. It’s all about finding your rhythm and syncing up with what you need daily and within each lunar cycle.
If you want to determine if this or other things will harmonize with your system. Please reach out. I am happy to help. You are unique and one size does not fit all.
Code: MindYouFood
Want to see if this would support your entire system? Book a consult below.