Namaste. One may hear this word at the beginning or end of a yoga class. Perhaps it is voiced after a unified “om” or coupled with the word “peace” in a phrase or sentence.
But what does this word mean? What does it mean to have a “Namaste attitude,” especially during the busy holiday season, which may be fraught with feelings of stress, grief, exhaustion, or frustration?
Namaste is a respectful greeting when giving a “namaskar,” which is a traditional Indian gesture of respect made by bringing the palms together in front of the chest or face while bowing to another. “Nama” means “bow”, “as” means “I”, and “te” means “you.” Namaste most literally means “bow me you” or “I bow to you.” Many yoga instructors will preface their uttering of Namaste by saying “The divine light in me honors and bows to the divine light in you.” At its true essence, Namaste is a symbol of gratitude and respect towards others and to oneself. When we bring our palms together in front of the heart, we are reminded of how others experience joys, successes, losses, and disappointments like how we do. When we say Namaste with sincerity, we recognize that we are more unified with others than separated from them. We begin to see how we are more whole than incomplete in our innermost being. We believe that we can be calm in the presence of stress.
We may hear and repeat the word Namaste in yoga or meditation classes, and we may even know the Sanskrit translation, but what does it mean to have a “Namaste attitude” in our everyday lives? How can we live a life of gratitude and respect when we have to wait at the post office for 30 minutes or when our distant relative asks us if we’ve gained weight since last year? A simplified answer is that we can remain in those uncomfortable moments by breathing and trusting that our discomfort is simply that – discomfort. These awkward or uncomfortable moments often have no power to harm us unless we permit them to. Give yourself permission this holiday season to choose patience over annoyance, forgiveness over grudges, and love for yourself from feelings of guilt or shame. Consider the effects of having a “Namaste attitude” on your health and well being this holiday season and into the New Year.
Wishing you Peace and Good Health,
Maureen Petrasko
President
NZ Manufacturing Inc.
