The Light in Me Honors the Light in You

"Every day, the sun paints the world in light— you can do the same."

― Laura Jaworski

Image Source: Mor Shani (Unsplash)

In every yoga class I teach or attend, the practice closes with me (or other instructors) offering Namaste with an echo in return from the students. According to Yoga Journal, "Nama means bow; as means I; and te means you," says yoga teacher Aadil Palkhivala. "Therefore, namaste literally means 'bow me you' or 'I bow to you.'" (2021). Hindu tradition uses Namaste as a greeting that shows a sign of respect to the divine in another being.

Whether used as a greeting of respect or to end a yoga practice, a person brings their hands together in a prayer position (Anjali mudra (UHN-jah-lee MOO-dra)) at the heart center and bows while saying "Namaste."

As members of the human race, one of the hardest things to do is show respect for others concerning differing perspectives or belief systems. One way we need to improve is speaking with good purpose. How often have we pulled the trigger on the emotional response without allowing the logical brain to respectfully reframe what we wanted to say? Does the phrase "Open mouth, insert foot" resonate here? What can we do to pause before speaking or acting in a hurtful way?

I will be the first to admit that I often need help speaking with good purpose. I must consistently remind myself that my perspective may not mesh with that of another, but that does not give me a license to speak or act unkindly. I can recall countless times when I could not walk back utterances said in the heat of the moment. It may take a lifetime to answer the rhetorical questions I proposed earlier. Emotional upsets will always be a part of this imperfect human condition. It would be best if you decided how to rein in the silver-forked tongue of disrespect. For me, I am going to lean into the guiding principles of Namaste.

I have a wall art hanging in our office that offers an excellent interpretation of said principles:

"I honor the place in you that is the same in me. I honor the place in you where the whole universe resides. I honor the place in you of love, of light, of peace and of truth. I honor the place in you that is the same in me. There is but one Namaste."

Image source: Tushar Rathour (Unsplash)

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns - don't hesitate to contact me through my email at mindbodybadgeyoga@gmail.com or via the comment sections in this blog. I am here to serve and support you on your quest to rebuild your mind, body, and spirit one breath at a time.

References

The Meaning of Namaste. Retrieved from https://www.yogajournal.com/practice/beginners/the-meaning-of-namaste/ on 8/8/2023.