After a brutal weekend of riots and more country upheaval, there is a demand to speak up against the violence. Yet, with so many voices, who is listening? Let's dig into the meaning behind "namaste" and how we can work to truly be heard...and to hear.
Namaste:the peace within my soul recognizes the peace within yours.
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Namaste
Sweet Namaste. This is my most favorite word. This is a common salutation in places like India and Nepal, however, why would a simple "hi" be so important? Because this isn't just a base word for an informal greeting, like we have for "hello" and "hi" in the USA. This takes us beyond an initial hello to a deeper meaning yet again. There are many variations of what "Namaste" really means, yet my way of defining it is "the peace within my soul recognizes the peace within yours."
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If you've ever watched Avatar, you may remember their greeting of "I see you." It is that deeper recognition - seeing into the heart and soul of someone and finding a deeper connection. We all long for "namaste" in relationships - that connection to the innermost peace in each other that transcends all surface talk, bickering and hurt and that simply connects to the core of humanity and spiritual awakening.
We are Energy, and We Are Powerful!
Energy is all around us, and is in every matter, including humanity. Our energy affects more than our own actions; it affects everything around us as well. This study truly fascinates me - just simple water was exposed to words and conscious thoughts of different emotions. The different crystallizations once the water was frozen convey just an inkling of the affects energy/consciousness has.
We are made up of over 60% water - if one crystal forms this based on the energy around it, think of the impact we have on ourselves and others simply by the thoughts we carry with us at any moment!
When Lost, Go OM
Have you ever had those moments where you need to just step back and say "oooooosah" or "breathe" or count to ten? Those times where it's all you can do -with the craziness in your household or your work- to not just throw in the towel and scream "I QUIT!"? Those are the times I remember "om".
These two little letters reflect a sacred depth of meaning that connects to a higher power and deeper level in the universe. "Om" is a highly sacred word used in many Dharmic religions such as Hinduism, Sikhism, and Buddhism.
You'll hear this repeated over and over as a chant in certain yoga classes and meditations as people strive to go deeper within themselves and deeper into the universe. It's a word that conveys, to me, the rhythm and smoothness of meditation, peace, calm, and home. That's why I bring out the OM in hOMe. I want you to remember that home can be deep, sacred, honest, peaceful and calm. Om is home within your heart - and a connection to something More.
Om. Namaste. Peace within.
Create Space to be Heard
If you aren't sure what to say, start by listening well and truly hearing.
It may be the clarity needed is by allowing space for someone else to talk.
Waiting at least 7 seconds between dialogue can help settle emotions, process reactions, and give room for those who tend to stay in the background to have the chance to speak. Want more on this? Check out this episode.
Dig Deeper...
Some additional resources for you
- Om & Namaste - What Does It All Mean?
- It’s the end of the world…as we know it (Episode 138)
- Don’t Stress Education; Let Them Play (Episode 139)
- Quarantine Boredom and Life Skills (Episode 140)
- Feeling Inside Out and Upside Down? Feel All the Feels (Episode 141)
- Who Owns Your Boat? On Anger and the Law of Attraction (Episode 142)
Your Weekly Challenge:
This week, make it a point to listen. Create space for the voice of someone else to truly be heard. Look at a balance. For every important statement you make to another, silence your mind, open your heart, and listen to what they have to say. Remember true listening is without an immediate rebuttal. Give space to process, as well as to consider your reaction.
Remember, within us all lies a connection beyond what we can comprehend. Think beyond your daily life, the place you live, and your religion. We are a tiny blink of an eye in a much greater universe beyond our imagination. When we open up to the outside by filling up from the inside out with peace, love, and calm, then we start to see the connection. Take a deep breathe, place your palms together and find your hOMe.
Namaste
Questions or comments?
Personality styles, marriage/intimacy, parenting, education, minimalism or travel - what is pressing on your mind?
Or, hop on over to the Mama Says Namaste or Unschooling Families FB groups and ask your question there!