02:12

What Is Not Mine: A Poem On Asteya (Non-Stealing)

by Leslie DMello

Rated
4.8
Type
talks
Activity
Meditation
Suitable for
Everyone
Plays
136

This contemplative poem explores the subtle and often overlooked layers of Asteya, the yogic principle of non-stealing. Moving beyond the literal, “What Is Not Mine” shines a light on the emotional, mental, and energetic ways we grasp for what isn’t ours—time, attention, identity, validation. Set in the landscape of modern life, the poem captures the quiet hunger that drives us to take from others and from the moment itself, without even realizing it. Through gentle reflection and poetic imagery, the verses trace a journey from craving to contentment, from scarcity to inner sufficiency. It is a reminder that what we grasp never truly fills us—and what we release makes space for grace. An offering for seekers, teachers, and anyone yearning to feel whole again, this poem invites you to return to the simple truth: you are already enough.

AsteyaPoetrySelf ReflectionContentmentLetting GoScarcityBoundariesYogaScarcity Mindset

Transcript

The poem is titled What is not mine?

What is not mine?

I used to reach with restless hands For time not given,

For praise not earned For glances that didn't belong to me I called it ambition,

I called it need But beneath the names,

It was hunger shaped like scarcity I stole in silence,

Not gold,

Not bread But borrowed hours and thoughts unsaid And pieces of people I wanted to be I took from the mirror,

Judged it unkind I took from the future,

Wishing rewind I took from the moment and left it behind But one day the wind said What is not yours cannot fill you And the sun said,

What you hold too tightly withers So I loosened my grip,

I let the world be I gave back what I never truly needed Now I gather,

Not things,

But presents I collect only what flows freely I honour the boundary between mine and yours Like a garden fence,

Not a wall And in this practice of not taking I find everything I was seeking Peace,

Wholeness,

Enough Thank you for listening Namaste

Meet your Teacher

Leslie DMelloDubai - United Arab Emirates

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© 2026 Leslie DMello. All rights reserved. All copyright in this work remains with the original creator. No part of this material may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the copyright owner.

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