Namaste

I say it at the end of every class as do so many yoga teachers, but what does it really mean?

Namaste is Sanskrit. Breaking it down piece by piece:

Nama = bow
as = I
te = you

So "Namaste" literally means "Bow I you" or "I bow to you". If you delve deeply into its meaning you'll find all kinds of religious symbolism, mostly from Hinduism. I've seen it translated as I bow to the soul, the divine, the spirit, the God, and even the Universe in you. But being a mother of three small children, the best translation I've read is from a children's yoga book: "I bow to the good in you."

Say Namaste everyday
To the good in you and the good in me
Say Namaste everyday
And the world will live in harmony
- Sydney Solis

Regardless of your religious affiliations or non-religious affiliations, I hope we can all agree that within each individual there is good. I respect and am grateful for that good. I respect and am grateful that you are my student. Without you, I would not be a teacher.

And so I say, Namaste!

-gretch

Read more at
http://www.yogajournal.com/basics/822

More on the Free Day of Yoga

I encourage everyone to take advantage of the free day of yoga. Here are a few suggestions for classes:

My teacher, Marj Rash, will be giving a 108 sun salutations class at Dragon Fire Yoga near White Rock Lake and the Arboretum. Class starts at 12:00 PM (noon). Sun Salutations are challenging and yes, you really will do 108 of them. The class is for all levels of students so don't let the challenge scare you away. Over 60 different yoga poses will be included. How's that for variety? For more information about the studio go to http://www.dragonfireyoga.com/index.htm. My plans for Labor Day weekend aren't solidified but if I'm in town this is where I will be. Come join me!

I would also recommend any beginner level class at the BKS Iyengar Studio near SMU. I especially like Sally's classes. For more information about this studio go to http://www.dallasiyengaryoga.com/.

I'm not sure if the studio websites reflect the Labor Day schedules or not. For a detailed list of all the classes in the Metroplex go to http://www.freewebs.com/dallasfreedayofyoga/2009schedule.htm.

Namaste!

-g

Take a Class for Free

Third Annual Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex

FREE DAY OF YOGA

Monday, September 7, 2009

A free day of Yoga is presented by the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex area Yoga community and sponsored by Luke's Locker!

Go to http://www.freewebs.com/dallasfreedayofyoga/
for more information and to find participating studios