Namaste

Namaste is a greeting used in many yoga classes and studios.  Sometimes we know what it means and sometimes afraid to ask?

Well here goes - insight and and etiquette around Namaste!

Namaste is a customary salutation to greet one another upon meeting or leaving.  It is a greeting used in every day life amongst those of Indian descent.  You will often find while saying "Namaste" the hands are brought to the heart center in prayer with a slight bow.  This is also known as Anjali Mudra.

There is no religious affiliation with the greeting.  Rather, the hands at prayer are a gesture of of love and respect - also highlighting the common bond connecting each of us.

Literally namaste is translated to mean, "the light or soul in me honors the light or soul in you".

Phonetically, it is pronounced "nuh-mus-tay."
nuh - rhymes with 'duh'
mus - rhymes with 'bus'
tay - rhymes with 'bay'

In yoga class, it is a way for a teacher to show respect and gratitude towards his/her students and in turn students towards their teacher.

We end class with the greeting Namaste at heart center.  The gesture is does not honor any one or anything.  Rather it is a meditation technique to honor one's-self. 

The hands at heart center bring awareness to your breath and heartbeat.  In that moment, each one of us honors our body, mind and spirit for committing to the practice.  In that moment, we surrender honor the soul within and thus strengthening the opening of the heart chakra.

There should be no pressure or obligation to say namaste.  More important is the intention to honor within and each other on and off the mat.

With heartfelt gratitude for your continued support and presence at Soul Power Yoga
- Namaste -