Jealousy. That sudden tightening in your chest, the restless thoughts, the feeling that someone else has what you don’t. Most of us see jealousy as something negative, something to suppress or feel ashamed of.
But here’s the yogic perspective: Jealousy isn’t the problem. It’s a messenger. It’s trying to tell you something about yourself. And when you understand its deeper meaning, you can transform it into something powerful—self-awareness, growth, and inner peace.
Let’s explore the yogic way to deal with jealousy, so you can release it without guilt and step into a mindset of abundance and gratitude.
What Is Jealousy (From a Yogic Perspective)?
In yoga philosophy, emotions like jealousy come from attachment (raga) and aversion (dvesha). We crave what we don’t have, and we resist what makes us uncomfortable. But jealousy is deeper than that—it often signals a longing for something we believe is missing in us.
For example, if you feel jealous of someone’s success, it may mean that you, too, desire growth but haven’t fully stepped into your potential. If you envy someone’s loving relationship, maybe it’s a sign that you’re craving deeper connection.
Yogic wisdom teaches us that emotions should never be suppressed. Instead, they should be observed, understood, and transformed.
🧘♂️ Yogi Tip: The next time jealousy arises, don’t judge it. Instead, sit with it. Ask yourself: What is this feeling trying to teach me about myself?
Why Holding Onto Jealousy Blocks Your Energy
Jealousy isn’t just a passing emotion—it’s an energy drain. In yogic terms, jealousy creates a blockage in our heart chakra (Anahata). Instead of flowing freely, our energy gets stuck in comparison, resentment, and fear.
The real issue isn’t that someone else has what you want. It’s the illusion that there isn’t enough for everyone.
The yogic way teaches us that abundance is infinite. Just because someone else has found success, love, or happiness doesn’t mean there’s less for you. The universe is vast, and there is space for everyone to thrive.
🧘♂️ Yogi Tip: Every time jealousy creeps in, take a deep breath and remind yourself: There is no limit to abundance. What’s meant for me will come to me in its own time.
How to Release Jealousy the Yogic Way
1. Shift from Comparison to Celebration
Jealousy makes us focus on others’ lives instead of our own. In yoga, we practice “mudita”—the joy in others’ happiness. Instead of resenting someone’s success, choose to celebrate it.
The more we celebrate abundance in others, the more we attract it into our own lives.
🧘♂️ Yogi Tip: The next time you feel jealous, say out loud: I am happy for them. Their success shows me what is possible for me too.
2. Use Jealousy as a Guide for Self-Growth
Rather than letting jealousy weigh you down, use it as a teacher. What is it pointing to in your own life? What desire or dream have you ignored?
Instead of feeling envious of someone’s fitness, start your own wellness journey. Instead of resenting a friend’s career success, take a step toward your own ambitions.
Jealousy isn’t telling you to compare; it’s telling you to take action.
🧘♂️ Yogi Tip: Every time jealousy arises, journal about it. Ask yourself: What does this feeling reveal about my own desires? How can I take one step toward that goal?
3. Shift from Wanting to Gratitude
The ultimate yogic practice for dissolving jealousy? Gratitude.
Jealousy keeps you focused on what you lack. Gratitude shifts your focus to what you already have. The more you appreciate your life, the less you’ll feel the need to compare it to someone else’s.
🧘♂️ Yogi Tip: Each morning, write down three things you’re grateful for. Let gratitude replace comparison.
4. Meditate & Send Out Love
A simple but powerful practice in yoga is sending love to those we envy. This may sound strange at first, but it’s a transformational exercise.
When you feel jealous, pause. Close your eyes. Take a deep breath. Imagine the person you’re envious of, and silently send them love and blessings.
Why? Because the more positive energy you send out, the more you attract into your own life. The universe responds to your vibrations.
🧘♂️ Yogi Tip: Try this simple mantra when jealousy arises: May they be happy. May they be successful. May I, too, find my own path to joy.
The Universe Takes Care of Everything
One of the biggest reasons jealousy lingers is the belief that you have to control everything—that if you don’t get something now, you’ve lost it forever. But yogic wisdom teaches us that the universe has a plan for everyone.
You don’t have to force things. You don’t have to worry about what others have. What’s meant for you will come in its own time.
Instead of carrying jealousy, pray for the well-being of the person you envy. Ask the universe to guide you toward your own path. Release the burden to something greater than yourself.
🧘♂️ Yogi Tip: Whenever jealousy arises, say to yourself: I trust the universe. My path is unfolding perfectly, just as it should.
Let Jealousy Go & Step into Abundance
Jealousy isn’t wrong—it’s just misunderstood. It’s a signal, a guide, and a chance to grow. But you don’t have to hold onto it.
Instead, use it as a teacher—let it show you what you truly desire. Use it as fuel—let it inspire you to take action. Then, release it with love—knowing that the universe is abundant, and what’s meant for you will always find you.
Breathe. Trust. Let go. You are exactly where you need to be. 🌿✨