Yoga Babes - Namaste Every Day

The Yoga Babes, a group of six women, meet on Monday evenings to share life, practice yoga, and to enjoy each others company. We have been practicing yoga for nearly 4 1/2 years and during this time deep and lasting friendships have developed. Meet the Babes (L/R): Leslie, Chris, Pam, Elizabeth, Barb & Jean

Tonight we met at Chris' home. Chris & her husband, Gregg, live in the country in a beauitful log cabin home and raise horses for thoroughbred racing. One of their new ponies was born on my birthday this past year!

We also celebrate good food & wine after an hour of yoga exercies. Tonight was no exception. We had beef kabobs, rice, corn, cuscus, spinich dip, fudge, and coffee cake. We are all wonderful cooks!

Namaste Every Day: You've probably heard it before and wondered what it means. The gesture Namaste represents the belief that there is a Divine spark within each of us that is located in the heart. The gesture is an acknolwegment of the soul in one by the soul in another. "Nama" means "bow," "as" means "I," and "te" means "you." Namaste literally means "I bow to you."

To perform Namaste, we place our hands together at the heart, close the eyes, and bow the head. This is an especially deep form of respect. In the West the word "Namaste" is usually spoken in conjunction wtih the gesture; in India it is understood that the gesture itself signifies the meaning, and therefore it is unnecessary to say the word while bowing.

Leslie and Pam demonstrate the Namaste position.

This gesture of deep respect doesn't have to be confined to yoga class. You don't even have to physically or vocally express Namaste to send well wishes out into the world. Try connecting with people you encounter at work, or even with complete strangers you pass on the street, by silently acknowledging the Divine spark within them. Even though they probably won't relaize it, your kind energy just might have a positive effect on their day - and it will remind you to be filled with joy and compassion.