Namaste. The simple phrase that ends each yoga class.
If you’re at all familiar with yoga, then I’m sure you’ve heard this simple term before said by the instructor to end a practice and echoed by the rest of the class. But have you ever really stopped to listen and understand what that simple word really means. I thought about it more than I ever have the other day, and discovered how truly profound is really is.
Namaste translates as: the light in me sees and honors the light within you.
A nice sentiment, right? At face value, it seems to be a kind acknowledgment of the good in others. A positive thought to end class with and seal the practice that a group of people just completed together. But something one of my instructors said the other day at the end of class in regards to Namaste really stuck with me.
In order to see the light in others, we have to have light already within ourselves. The reason you’re able to see the good things in others is because you yourself have those attributes. Everything that you admire about others is in some form inside of you. Your values, your ideals, the things you respect, and aspire to be like in the world….all of these things exist within you and are just waiting to be unleashed.
The loyalty you see in your best friend.
The honesty you respect in your boss.
The bravery you revere in first responders.
The conscientiousness you see in your classmates.
The tenacity you see in your coworkers.
The dedication you cherish in your parents.
The gracefulness you observe in a dancer.
The determination you see in a runner going by.
The compassion you appreciate in a kind stranger.
The selflessness you marvel at in your mom.
The cleverness you enjoy in your sibling.
The courageousness you see in a world traveler.
The patience you admire in your teachers.
The capacity for love you feel from your family.
IT’S ALL IN YOU.
The more you are able to embrace and accept the fact that everything you need in life (all the strength, power, and drive) resides within you, the more you’ll be able to unlock your inner potential.
When it comes down to it, we are all equals. We all breathe the same air, we all have the same needs, and we all have an infinite capacity inside of us to determine our own destiny and realize our dreams. It’s about acknowledging all the good you have inside you and not about comparing or aspiring to be like someone else. Be you. Authentically, genuinely, unapologetically you. The more you tune in with your own light and your own inner strength the more you’ll be able to really experience life. You’ll be able to live in full color…not in the shadows of people who you think are better, do better, or have more than you. Start acknowledging the richness inside of you.
There is a bounty within your heart, mind, and spirit that is like an untapped well of possibility. So often we focus on becoming like someone else that we forget that being ourselves is the ultimate path to happiness and success.
So, of course, everyday take time to acknowledge, respect, and honor all the good in others…but most importantly, don’t forget that all that goodness you see in others can be found right inside of you. It’s in there…you just have to open your heart and mind to feel it.
Kaila
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15 responses to “It’s All In YOU”
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I hadnt until i spent this past school year teaching yoga in the mornings to the second grade and THEY kept asking.
we had so many great discussions.
Kids always have the best perspective on things!
I love this! What a beautiful post!
Thank you Erin!
Namaste is, to me, one of the most powerful words/phrases in the world. It says so much, so succinctly.
It certainly does!! Definitely a powerful phrase in my life.
I love this entire post! Thank you for reminding me what “Namaste” truly means. Your words and thoughts are always a daily dose of inspiration. 🙂
Thank you Brianna!
Love that part of my yoga class. Even when I go to a class I don’t really enjoy or my E.D. tells me was “not worth it,” I always stay to the end to say “namaste” to the teacher. It helps me remember that I’m a part of something bigger – a universal goodness that gets stronger through community.
In my Sunday yoga class, we end by doing a stretching sequence and with each pose, the teacher says what it’s supposed to reflect – we start with joy, then goes to love, then gratitude, and ends with peace. I love it because it really grounds me. Great post – glad you are using your experience with yoga to deepen your understanding of yourself!!! 🙂
“a universal goodness that gets stronger through community.” —-> I LOVE WHAT YOU SAID THERE!!! So true.
amen sista!
Thanks Linz!
I did not know that. I like it 🙂
Me too. 🙂
Namaste my friend!