Happy 2025 Earth Day! This day, to honor our collective home on this planet, there are three Yoga principles that come to my mind: Ahimsa, Asteya, and Brahmacharya. Even though these principles are thousands of years old, they are amazingly relevant to the present. Let’s see how Yoga can guide us, not only on Earth Day, but on a daily basis throughout our life.
Started in 1970 by Senator Gaylord Nelson and activist Denis Hayes to put pressure on the United States to make environmental reforms, it is now a globally recognized day of action to protect one of our most valuable resources. Earth gives to us everyday and it’s easy to take it for granted…until things like clean water and air are at jeopardy. One of the key words around Earth Day is action. It’s a day that invites each human to take personal action to honor our home and all that it provides.
AHIMSA
The principle of Ahimsa, is one that I regularly write about. Himsa in Sanskrit means ‘to kill’ or ‘to slay’. The ‘A’ in front negates the word. So ahimsa means non-kill or non-violence. The essence of it is ‘love in action.’ I believe that Earth Day is a day for us, as humans, to intentionally take loving action towards our earth, in whatever way is available to you.
Maybe it’s simply being out in nature. Or possibly taking action to ensure the rights of nature are upheld. Or learning more about a specific aspect of the environment that needs more love. Whatever it is, ahimsa guides us to take action from a place of love and compassion. In reality, it is like Mother’s or Father’s Day. It’s a day to say thank you to this entity that has shaped us and given to us unconditionally.
What is one action of love that you are committed to taking over the next year towards the Earth and Mother nature?
ASTEYA
The principle of Asteya means non-stealing. As I mentioned, the Earth gives freely. Yes, there are laws of cause and effect happening, but she doesn’t send you bills or try to upgrade your membership. She provides and will continue to do so if we learn how to give and take with respect. We humans take this for granted, at least more so in this modern day…or maybe it feels this way because there are so many more of us.
In Swami Satchiandanda’s book, “The Yoga Sutras Of Patanjali,’ he writes how we steal air each day. We breathe without any awareness of this gift. We take for granted that the air for our next breath will be there. Of course this doesn’t mean we should stop breathing. But, to steal less, we can cultivate understanding what a gift our life is, giving thanks for it, and taking care of it to honor and respect the air we breathe.
Because our day to day lives are so filled and busy, awareness seems like a luxury. But it’s not…it’s essential. Without it, we will destroy this home we’ve been given. We will kill other beings that inhabit this planet because of our greed and mindlessness. At times it can feel like we are so far down that road, ending it seems impossible…but that isn’t true.
We all influence each other. Taking responsibility where you may be stealing from the earth, and doing it differently, will ripple out. Far more than just pointing fingers at others. When we blame, we are telling ourselves we aren’t responsible. This creates powerlessness. Each of us has some responsibility for the state of our Earth today.
There are 8 billion people on this planet. If all of us did one thing to practice asteya each day, can you imagine the difference that would make?
What is one area you steal from the Earth that you can do something differently and incorporate Asteya instead?
BRAHMACHARYA
Brahmacharya, practically, speaks of a practice of moderation and non-excess. On a higher level, it means continence and the practice of celibacy. In regard to the Earth, non-excess and moderation are the important practices.
In the summer of 2023, my husband and I moved to Jeju Island, South Korea to live for a few years. Our living space shrank in half and we decided to bring only what was necessary to live comfortably. Since our time here is limited, we have bought very few things, knowing that we will have to get rid of them when we leave.
Non-excess has led us in many of our decisions the past two years and it’s been a freeing experience to live more simply. We are content and comfortable. There have been some things we’ve had to give up but we both agree it’s been a wonderful practice that we intend to continue no matter where we live..
An important power humans have today is consumer power, which is often overlooked. The ‘I need’ desire overrides the pause to consciously think through how purchasing something can affect so many things. Is it necessary? Is it a desire or an actual need? Do I already have something that I can use instead?
Politically, how we shop can also make a difference and make your voice heard. I was excited to hear about a boycott on purchasing anything non-essential for one day in the US this past year. I don’t know what the outcome of it was but this power to unite can send ripples, especially if it’s done regularly.
What is one area of excess in your life where you can commit to practicing moderation and take an action of love towards the Earth?
EARTH MATTERS IF YOU ARE ALIVE
It doesn’t matter where you live, who you are, what your socio-economic background is, your political affiliation, or your gender are…
What happens on Earth will affect you i some way. Some wise words:
“The earth does not belong to man, man belongs to the earth. All things are connected like the blood that unites us all. Man did not weave the web of life, he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself.” – Chief Seattle
Shanti.
P.S. Earth Day starts with each of us. The more you know, understand, and love yourself, that is the way you will show up in all areas of your life. If this is something you struggle with inside yourself, if you are wanting to live more from love in action, I might be able to help. Reach out and let’s chat. Schedule a Connection Call any time.