Archive for July, 2008

The meaning of namaste

Thursday, July 10th, 2008

The definition of namaste according to Aadil Palkhivala (world-renowned yoga teacher):

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.”

To perform Namaste, we place the hands together at the heart charka, close the eyes, and bow the head. It can also be done by placing the hands together in front of the third eye, bowing the head, and then bringing the hands down to the heart. This is an especially deep form of respect. Although in the West the word “Namaste” is usually spoken in conjunction with the gesture, in India, it is understood that the gesture itself signifies Namaste, and therefore, it is unnecessary to say the word while bowing.

We bring the hands together at the heart chakra to increase the flow of Divine love. Bowing the head and closing the eyes helps the mind surrender to the Divine in the heart. One can do Namaste to oneself as a meditation technique to go deeper inside the heart chakra; when done with someone else, it is also a beautiful, albeit quick, meditation.

For a teacher and student, Namaste allows two individuals to come together energetically to a place of connection and timelessness, free from the bonds of ego-connection. If it is done with deep feeling in the heart and with the mind surrendered, a deep union of spirits can blossom.

Ideally, Namaste should be done both at the beginning and at the end of class. Usually, it is done at the end of class because the mind is less active and the energy in the room is more peaceful. The teacher initiates Namaste as a symbol of gratitude and respect toward her students and her own teachers and in return invites the students to connect with their lineage, thereby allowing the truth to flow—the truth that we are all one when we live from the heart.

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Namaste

Tuesday, July 8th, 2008

I went to the yoga class tonight at the gym. It’s the first yoga class I’ve been to in several years. Yay for me! It did kick my butt, but it also felt great to be back doing something for my body that I really enjoy. Namaste.

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Summer Fun

Sunday, July 6th, 2008

Hey ladies,

Yeah, I’ve been slacking on the posts. I repent. Anyway, I’m doing okay with my WW/fitness goals, although I seem to always take two steps forward and one step back. Just when my workouts were going good, I got completely off track with my eating. So back on the wagon this week.

I am enjoying the summer so far and being more active with the chitlens. We have been on nature walks, at the park and outside in the yard quite a bit. My next active goal is to get my bike tuned up and go on bike rides with Emma. I may even splurge on a bike trailer to haul Gabe around. What are you all up to this summer to stay active?

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Hello Out There!

Sunday, July 6th, 2008

So what’s up with the FitSisters? Haven’t seen a new post in a long time! I guess that’s my clue to get busy and start writing. My last fitness success came when I was working for a weight goal for my trip to Vegas. I worked really hard and got within 3 lbs of my goal. I was a little disapointed, but I made great progress. It was so nice to go to Vegas and feel good about myself. I even went to the over-crowded pool in my swim suit. That took some guts but it was alright. I also completely enjoyed the eating. It was so nice to relax about calories and eat good food. I was surprised that my eating healthy habits followed me and I found myself picking healthy food when we were out. But after splurging a little, I am over-due for another kick in the butt. I am starting tomorrow and committing to another goal. I have to re-establish some routines and get serious. I’ll keep you updated, in the mean time, GO HARD GIRLS! I hope the best for all of you!
Reb

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