So far I’ve learned many beautiful Sanksrit words and  phrases,  but the original one I learned, long before I became a teacher has still remained my favorite. I’m sure you’ve heard it being tossed around at some point, in movies, or t-shirts… I even think one of the housewives on New Jersey uses it in the introduction of the show!

“Namaste”

Namaste (/ˈnɑːməsteɪ/ nah-məs-tay; Hindi: [nəməsteː]  sometimes expressed as Namaskar or Namaskaram, is a customary greeting when individuals meet or depart.

The reason I love this phrase, is for what it represents.  It means “I see the light in you” or “I bow to to the divine in you.” I think it is the ultimate compliment paired with the ultimate blessing.  It has changed my view of people entirely.  What you begin to see in someone is their light, every thing else about them fades away. Age, race, appearance.. all judgement goes out the window.  For me, it has become an excellent way to understand people.  If they have a low light, or low “shining” I ask them how they are doing and I listen.  I try to understand if there is anything I can do to bring them a little more light.  Yoga has refilled my light so much it brims out of me and spills out onto others.  I can barely contain it.  I love sharing this practice with people because it’s awakened me and I feel more energy then ever before.  The best feeling on earth is seeing my students come up out of meditation, with so much light in their eyes.  It makes me emotional.  That connection and connectedness is such a powerful exchange.  A teacher when inspired and connected will receive as much joy giving yoga as a student practicing.

To all my readers: “Namaste!”