NURTURE YOUR RITUAL

A ritual is so much more than a mundane morning, evening, and even lunch time routine. Rituals are about creating an energy and invoking a feeling around something you enjoy and taking the time for something important to you.In Tranquilista: Mastering the Art of Enlightened Work and Mindful Play author Kimberly Wilson offers ideas for creating a morning ritual, along with a plethora of tranquil musings.

Now, I am not a morning person, not even on my best day, so I choose to create an evening ritual. The morning rituals sound marvelous in theory, but I know myself well enough to know they would soon become a chore. With an evening ritual, on the other hand, I seek to create a soothing energy and invoke a restful feeling by soaking in a lavender scented bath before delving into a few simple Yoga poses.

Whether you choose a morning, afternoon, or evening ritual make it a time you look forward to every day. It can be as simple as lighting a soy candle before you savor writing in your journal or a moment of meditation to set your intention for the day. Pick up Tranquilista: Mastering the Art of Enlightened Work and Mindful Playfor more pearls on how you can create your ritual.

Namaste

NURTURE FINDING MEANING

I recently had a delightful and hilarious convo with my 'ray of sunshine' friend Jessica and I realized that not everybody is hip on the meaning of 'Namaste'. It's one of those small things that has become such a staple in my life, as it is commonly used before and after a Yoga session, that I have taken it for granted.

With so many definitions, ranging from the typical 'greeting or parting' term, think Alohoa, accompanied with a gesture to my simple explanation of 'the highest in me greets the highest in you' it can be difficult to fully understand the meaning. Namaste, pronounced [nuhm-uh-stey], is more than just a definition, it is a quiet meditation and way of expressing respect and honor to yourself and others.

It is commonly used in Yoga because, "For a teacher and student, Namaste allows two individuals to come together energetically to a place of connection and timelessness, free from the bonds of ego-connection. If it is done with deep feeling in the heart and with the mind surrendered, a deep union of spirits can blossom." Aadil Palkhivala's on YogaJournal.com.


I also enjoy Kimberly Wilson's definition in Hip Tranquil Chick: A Guide to Life On and Off the Yoga Mat. "It (namaste) is a gesture acknowledging the divine spark within each of us that tranlates as 'I honor the divine witin you from the divine within me'. Place your hands in prayer position, feel the thumbs connect to your heart center, close your eyes, and bow your head. The modern yoga girl approaches others, who are all her teachers, with respect and honor-from her fave barista to a respected mentor."

You can find more great info on the meaning of Namaste on Yoga Journal and Wikipedia . Enjoy delving into the deeper meaning behind the word and Namaste.