You may have done it at the end of a yoga class. You bring your hands and fingers together in a prayer position or Anjali Mudra, rest them on your chest or brow, humbly bow and quietly utter the word, “Namaste.” You may have then experienced a sweet sensation wash over you as the class comes to an end. As a teacher, this is a meaningful exchange. Even through the Zoom tunnel, I cherish this connection. Why is that? What is happening?
Namaste has several meanings centering around honoring or paying attention to each other. The literal translation of Namaste means, “ I bow to you.” It is challenging to adequately define the Sanskrit word because an English equivalent does not exist. However, there are variations , including many deeply spiritual meanings that are used in our western culture. The definition that resonates with me is, “I honor the place in you that is the same as it is in me.” I believe it to mean:: we are connected in the most basic human way. We both seek happiness and peace.
In many parts of the world, Namaste is used frequently as “hello” or “goodbye”. It becomes a greeting and a gesture combined. You could walk into a store and greet the shopkeeper by saying, “Namaste” and it would be perfectly acceptable to have your hands in Anjali Mudra, resting at the heart, as if the words are coming from your heart rather than your mouth. This greeting seems more meaningful than the “hi” or the “hey” that we sometimes sling around barely looking at each other. Our culture supports speed and rushing and achievement. In this, we often miss small moments to connect with those around us, even the shopkeeper we just met.
As our face to face contact decreases due to social distancing and wearing a mask, it is important to remember to find a way to make a meaningful connection. Wouldn’t it be nice to make everyone feel special and happy by slowing down just a little bit to greet each other in a “you matter to me” way? I imagine that’s what happens at the end of a yoga class. We share an experience, a little journey both collectively and individually. As the class closes, perhaps we feel the value of that connection and we feel the happiness or peace in ourselves connecting with the happiness or peace in those around us.
Namaste