Dear Yogis and Yoginis,
Namaste! One of my long term students recently asked me: why don't you end your classes with "Namaste" as you used to? After a couple of years of teaching, I started drifting away from this classic greeting, concerned that it invited a confusing term into the class, a term that I wasn't always able to explain and that brings with it an exotic quality that can mystify students. I decided to stir clear for a while, but, like my student, I missed it, and when she offered her question, it felt like it was time to go back! So here is my attempt to demystify Namaste.
To start, a literal explanation. The helpful Yoga Journal breaks the word down like this: "Nama means bow, as means I, and te means you. Therefore,namaste literally means "bow me you" or "I bow to you."" When at the end of the practice I say "Namaste" I am saluting you, each one of you who have come into the space, recognizing your presence and your commitment to the practice. I am also saluting my teachers and the people who have practiced before me and made it possible for me to practice. And finally, I am saluting myself, paying respect to the practice that just took place and the effort and concentration that went into our time together.
By bringing my hands together, I am also inviting a quality of quiet introspection, keeping a loop of energy between my hands and close to the heart, in order to recharge and offer that energy onwards. Bringing the palms together also allows my brain to get a little quieter and my thoughts to soften.
So here it is, the practice of Namaste! What does it mean to you? Have you noticed that I have reintroduced it in our classes? And, if so, how has it affected the way your practice ends? I am curious to hear your thoughts.
This month's newsletter arrives a little late, but I wanted to point out that there are two small time changes in the classes at Pembroke on Wednesdays and St. Catz on Thursday, please look below for more info.
As usual, please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions (practice or class related).
With warm wishes,
Beatrice
