“N” is for…

Namaste is a form of respect, often said as a customary greeting when coming together or a farewell upon parting, commonly used by the people in  South Asia, as well as in the Yoga community.  Just saying the word brings me peace.

Aadil Palkhivala’s explained it well in Yoga Journal:

“The gesture Namaste represents the belief that there is a Divine spark within each of us that is located in the heart chakra. The gesture is an acknowledgment of the soul in one by the soul in another. Nama means bow, as means I, and te means you. Therefore, namaste literally means “bow me you” or “I bow to you.””

There is a spiritual significance to the word ‘Namaste’ in the Hindu population, which is recognizing a belief that there is a life force, the Self or the God that is the same in all.  By acknowledging the oneness by placing the palms together, they honor the God in each other.

“I honor the place in you where Spirit lives. I honor the place in you which is of Love, of Truth, of Light, of Peace, when you are in that place in you, and I am in that place in me, then we are One.”  -Ancient Sanskrit Blessing

As I close, I bow and say to you, “Namaste.”