Namaste…what it means to me!

Namaste

Roots to Breath, Dona Anderson

A special word with a special meaning!

I loved it when a new beginner to yoga told me that when she had first heard the word Namaste, she thought that the person said, have a nice day, so that was what she repeated back.

Some usage is as a simple greeting like good day, hello, be well, or as a goodbye so have a nice day does certainly fit in.

I use the word here on my blog sometimes so I thought I would write a bit about how I interpret and use this word. The silent or spoken non contact hand greeting brings your two palms together at the level of your heart.  This greeting can be used by anyone, any age, and it is often used as a written closing notation.  Depending where and how it is used it can have different meanings but normally it is a sign of respect and recognition. 

I’m glad there are various usages for this word as I use it differently as well.  I have used it as a general greeting when arriving or leaving a place, and I’ve used it as a very personal deep thank you. Namaste used in yoga, meditation, and healing practices generally goes a bit deeper and may acknowledge a feeling or sense of oneness. 

In yoga and other group activities and practices it can also be used as a group equalizer, or directed to someone for specific acknowledgment.   I use it as well for personal recognition that our practice is deepening, as a direct thank you and acknowledgment for partner work, at the end of class, or it is sent out to be shared by the group as a whole. 

Namaste, is a Sanskrit word that means, I bow to you.

 A few common versions are:

* I greet the place where you and I are one

* The soul in me acknowledges the soul in you

* The spirit in me respects the spirit in you

* I honor the spirit in you

I’d like to end with this one:

* I honor the place within you (me) that is of love, of truth, of light, and of peace...

Namaste.

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Thoughts on the Relaxation titled, Change

Life is always Changing!

How do you cope with change?


 

Roots to Breath, Dona Anderson

 

Is change a good thing or does it

create stress?

Sometimes I like to just let Simply, One Breath At a Time open up and see what page appears.

A couple of days ago, I opened it and found the relaxation titled, Change.

This relaxation starts with “Our lives can change in a heartbeat, a second a minute, an hour, a day…a word can change us, a thought, a song, a story, a picture, even a breath”

I know change can be a good or bad thing for all kinds of reasons so I look at change as a process, an evolving process, a period of some kind of learning, adjusting, experiencing, noticing, and responding. 

This relaxation simply guides you to notice how your breath can be that evolving process as you are asked to breathe and soften.   It says you can change your thoughts, and give yourself a chance to rest.  You are asked to notice how you are responding to its comfort and nurturing, and it also asks you to allow stillness into your day.

In this short relaxation, you get to experience how a few minutes to let your natural breath nurture you can bring change, and bring you to a place to let go and rest for a moment.

Our life can change in a heartbeat, a second, a minute … or even a breath!

Namaste.

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Andre Rieu is Amazing!

I love his concerts especially the one we went to a few years ago in Vancouver.  It was a lot of Christmas music and at the end we were all standing up for 45 minutes singing and humming.  I will always remember the audience humming Silent Night.

Anyway, I just got this link to Andre playing "My Way"  it is amazing so I had to share it with you.

Enjoy!



http://www.youtube.com/embed/e-y581HdWfY?rel=0

Celebrating Rumi, Last Class!

Rumi, sharing a poem for Two!

Roots to Breath Dona Anderson

As I mentioned in my earlier post dated, March 22, 2012, I had a great time being introduced to so many wonderful poems by Rumi, and listening to them being read aloud by the different voices of the class.

I enjoyed some of the poems just as they were on the surface, while others beckoned me to look further and deeper.  There can be many layers of interpretation, thoughts, and feelings arising from these writings, and I found that as I read more, I experienced and understood more.  Even as a beginner to these poems, some left me thinking about things, people, and experiences in my own life, and some will change the way I look at things.

The last class was especially memorable.   We got to take turns sharing one of our favourite poems with the class, and then something wonderful happened. 

One of the ladies brought to share the poem below.  She also brought her classical guitar and had arranged music so she could play and sing the poem for us.  For me, who had just started learning guitar, it was the best way to end this class, and let me know I was where I was supposed to be.  For me that day, it compared to a big bowl of the best fresh garden strawberries of my dreams, on delicious smooth ice cream…in that moment, everything else melted away. 

I sat, loved it all, and wanted more!  Namaste.

You & I
by Rumi

“A moment of happiness,

You and I sitting on the verandah,

Apparently two, but one in soul, you and I.

We feel the flowing water of life here,

You and I, with the garden’s beauty

And the birds singing.

The stars will be watching us,

And we will show them

What it is to be a thin crescent moon.

You and I unselfed, will be together,

Indifferent to idle speculation, you and I.

The parrots of heaven will be cracking sugar

As we laugh together, you and I.

In one form upon this earth,

And in another form in a timeless sweet land.”

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Body Soul & Spirit Expo, Edmonton Alberta, May 4-6, 2012

Simply One Breath At a Time, is travelling to Edmonton Alberta. 

I am very excited to be attending the spring Body Soul & Spirit Expo in Edmonton, May 4-6, 2012.

It will be a great chance for me to visit with all the other exhibitors, and to share information about my book, CD, and wellness cards with everyone attending. 

Some of the things you’ll find in this book of 65 gentle guided relaxations are gentle breathing, easy visualizations, hugs, smiles, nature, gratitude, progressive relaxations, and time to be quiet and still for meditation.  Through positive words and thoughts, each page inspires and encourages its readers and listeners to rest, let go of stress, nourish and support their own wellness. 

Go to the Wellwishers tab above and see what others have said about the book!

It is great for home use and gifts, for caregivers, yoga teachers, training resource, schools, self healing, and other wellness and relaxation practices to list a few! Each relaxation in the book offers practical and easy ways to bring presence and ease into your daily life. 

You can also get your own copy of the book, Simply, One Breath At a Time, and/or the CD, Permission To Rest, online at Amazon.ca