Traditionally, western-style yoga classes end with the Sanskrit word “Namaste.” It literally just means “greetings,” but we use it as a statement of gratitude and recognition.
I close my classes (and our brief practice here) with a statement that my teacher Mindy uses:
The light in me bows to an honors the light in you.
When I am in that space in me,
And you are in that space in you,
We are one.Namaste.
This week, we consider what it is to recognize the light — that which is divine and eternal — in all whom we encounter and, perhaps even more difficult, in ourselves.
“Encountering the Divine” Activities
Journal Prompt
You are the light of the world.
— Matthew 5:14
To love another person is to see the face of God.
— Les Misérables
You do not need to work to become spiritual.
You are spiritual; you need only to remember that fact.
Spirit is within you.
God is within you.
— Julia Cameron
Or do you not realize about yourselves that
Jesus Christ is in you?
— 2 Corinthians 13:5
Make yourself a light.
— The Buddha
Though my soul may set in darkness, it will rise in perfect light; I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night.
—Sarah Williams
The wise see the Lord of Love in the sun,
Rising in all its golden radiance
To give its warmth and light and life to all.
— Hindu: Prashna Upanishad
This week’s journal prompts:
- If we are to truly enter the presence of the Divine, we must make ourselves vulnerable. We must reveal all of ourselves without fear or shame in order to be fully in communion. Is that scary to you? What do you fear sharing most? Is there anything you’re worried you’ll be judged for? Careful!! This is not about sliding into denigrating yourself or calling out your shortcomings. It’s about arriving as fully who you are: the good, the bad and the ugly. And loving all of it fully.
- In whom do you struggle to see light? Someone you know? A public figure of some kind? (Most of us can name at least one public figure, I’m sure.) Spend ten minutes on that one person, seeking out that in them which is light. I know it will be tough, but it’s in there even if they seem to keep it well-hidden. If you struggle with this, consider the people who love them (someone does!) and consider what that person sees that you don’t.*
* A further note on this: I once heard an interview with a meditation teacher who said his mentor kept on a news commentary channel with which he vehemently disagreed. When the student asked about it, the teacher said, “Because I find it hard to love them, and I need to find a way to look behind what they’re saying to find their love.” I’m not asking you to agree with this person or support or vote for them. I am asking you (and me) to love them. And that starts with finding their light.
Some of these quotes found in this exhibit from The National Gallery in London. Thank you!
If you have completed the journal prompts above, then simply let yourself write for ten minutes without any rules or restrictions. Consider the prompts, your previous journal entries this week, and just let your pen go!
Yoga Flow
Many thanks to The Mercedes Club, Hell’s Kitchen, NY, for letting me record these yoga flows in their gorgeous yoga studio.
This program is presented by James Donegan / JDFitNYC and has no relationship with Equinox, Mercedes Club or any other facility where Mr. Donegan is employed. Any one participating in a physical activity, especially those who may be pregant or nursing, should consult a physician before beginning a physical exercise program.
Nothing that appears in this blog or on this website is intended to treat or diagnose any disorder, physical or otherwise. Always consult a physician before beginning any exercise program.