Namaste Living

"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."

Perhaps I’m high on endorphins post shavasana when my yoga teacher recites the meaning of “Namaste” but my heart resonates with this every time I am reminded of the simple yet profound definition. It’s not just a gesture, greeting, or mantra- it embodies a way in which we can potentially live and experience life. Perhaps an audacious assessment, but I believe it’s the fundamental solution for world peace and global balance. If we are honoring all that we truly are, we are in turn removing the falsities of separation and allowing others to reside in the same place. In simple terms, our job is to remember all that we are and to remind others of the same.

But is it easy to hang out in “Namaste” when you go out into the world? We savior glimpses of “Namaste” moments in our lives, but tend to slip right back into hindering ourselves because of fear and forgetfulness. Forgetting that we all have a unique, divine, extraordinary purpose here and that we are here, collectively, to live a meaningful life. A “Namaste” consciousness cannot be reached by comparing ourselves to others or by or judging our neighbor for some seeming inadequacy or irrelevant difference.

We have created a culture and reality of separation, of “us” and “them”. From political lines, religious differences, belief systems, class structures and social cliques, we have built barriers around ourselves that really only block love. We must realize that “they” may have a different story but underneath that story they just like you: loving, kind individuals who are innately compassionate and empathetic. This sense of division and near reflex of rivalry not only keeps us separate, it also keeps us complacent and frozen from making the difference we are intended to make here.

To me, the “Namaste” expression compatibly embodies the idea that we are all here with a unique purpose to fulfill. When you are seeing yourself and others in all of their glory, you are seeing all that they are capable of. The clues to our unique gifts and purpose are the things that bring us joy! Do not underestimate the things that bring you joy, this is your calling, and in truth is our natural state of being. It is too often we play small in the world and get tripped up on the ego’s desperate needs to be right, to have, or to win. The most commendable and rewarding thing you can do in life is to follow your heart.  Desire is placed within you for a reason. We are programmed for perfection and full expression and everything you need is within. The gifts you have are unique and perfect for the unfoldment of your evolution and expression of your fullest potential. We are just scratching the surface of what we are capable of. This “Namaste” consciousness runs parallel to Taoism, the ancient theory that we intrinsically know our purpose and path, if we can all walk these unique paths by activating and acknowledging all that we are, we come together perfectly as nature does, congruent, harmonious, organized and stable. So when I am in that place in me, and you are in that place in you, we are one. 

Below are a few simple tips to help us align ourselves with a daily “Namaste” lifestyle.

As my friends and I say “N’ I’mma stay Namaste” ;)

1. Breathe – be present, notice the world around you. Notice the people in their cars, acknowledge the lives around you, even the trees. You’ll be surprised how much opens up within you and as a consequence, to you.

2. Do things that bring you joy! What makes you happy? Start small; maybe it’s a cup of coffee or a trip to the beach. Then start to expand this awareness, if you didn’t have to “work” what you would you be doing? This is your part of your purpose. Start taking small steps, if it’s writing, you don’t have to write a book tomorrow, just start journaling.

3. Say Thank You. From big to small, what can you be thankful for? How about your body? We’re so hard on our bodies, thankful that you can do yoga, dance walk, listen to music, not everyone has the ability to do these things. Start a gratitude list or just one thing a day you can be thankful for. My friends and I have a gratitude email chain, we write 5 things we are thankful for and share with each other at least once a month.

4.  Pray. Meditate. Think. Go within and extend this energy out. Take time everyday to check in with yourself, most importantly when things aren’t going the way you’d like them to. What can you let go of? How can you see the situation differently? You’ll be amazed at what 5 minutes of meditation can do for you a day. Start your day off fresh!

5. Give more. Where can you offer your love and energy? What pulls your heartstrings? Is it animals? The homeless? Children? Look into volunteering. You’ll be amazed what you actually receive when you give. Further, what opportunities will open up within and for you when you become involved with a purposeful community? It can change your life!

6. Try really seeing people. We forget how amazing we are. This includes YOU! Remind yourself in the mirror every morning of all that you are and all that you are capable of! SEE your friends, neighbors, and even enemies for all that they really are. Imagine them in their truest light.

7. Forgive. Holding on to anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. Resentment and grudges really just store energy in our own minds, hearts and souls. Forgiving someone takes away a sense of victimization and converts the energy to love, freedom and empowerment. Who can you forgive

“There are no idle thoughts.” Course in Miracles  - Let us be conscious in our thoughts and lives, and vow together, for the betterment of ourselves and for the sake of joy and each other, “N’Imma stay Namaste”!