Here is an opportunity to learn more about the significance and meaning of “namaste.”

Imagine the end of a yoga class and your palms are together at your heart. Your instructor whispers a cue and you follow along with a relaxed mind and closed eyes. After a full breath in and a full breath out, your instructor says a heartfelt reflection followed by, “namaste.” Everyone responds in unison “namaste,” bows, and slowly exits the room. But why?

Why “namaste?”

Namaste (nah-mah-stay) is a Hindu greeting that translates as “I bow to you.” Though you may actually bow as you say it in a yoga class, it is simply not a gesture of reverence. There is more to this greeting than a simple “hello” or “goodbye.”

On a deeper level, it is said to acknowledge the oneness between us. It recognizes all of the traits that make us humans as well as salutes the wholeness and worthiness. Much like the African phrase “Ubuntu”, Namaste is a way of saying, “I see you.”

To truly be seen requires vulnerability. You must take the risk of showing up and revealing your true self even when you feel uncomfortable. But isn’t that a part of the process in a yoga class? When you’re doing asanas (poses), there are some positions that feel good to transition into while others require more grace. In the end, you develop the acceptance to love yourself through it all and this love expands from you to others. This is the essence and intention behind the greeting “namaste.”