Image from Naturally Universal.
“The Divine in me recognizes and honours, the Divine in you.” And with our eyes shut and palms pressed at heart center, we bow. “Namaste.”
On Valentine’s Day I want to appreciate what it means to recognize someone – to hook their soul like cupid’s hearts – and raise them toward new heights. Benefiting both possessors, the connections remind us of who we really are by showing that we’re equals, spinning through stages of life, masked only by time, labels and experience.
With practice the labels are stripped: no husband or wife, gay or straight. No mother or daughter, friend or foe. No race or religion, riches or rags. No young or ancient, new or old. It’s me and you, you and I…it’s us. When our labels and imaginary divisions blur – when our eyes shut and hearts open – that’s when we can truly welcome visitors at our doors. We may not know the purpose at the time, but each world comes together for a special one. Strong or faint, our connections serve.
My ‘Namaste’ at the end of class recognizes my soul’s connections. My ‘Namaste’ thanks these connecters for hooking their gentle spears and guiding me closer to truth. Finally, my ‘Namaste’ thanks myself for the ability to recognize them. It’s with recognition that I can be a true taker, and then turn around, to truly give.
So often we underestimate our power to make a difference in someone’s life. We don’t realize the influence we can have by burning a flame on small corners of the world. It’s these lights that spark positive change – what’s positive in one person’s life will radiate to positivity in another’s. I’m ready for a wildfire to blaze the world!
My Valentine’s Day appeal is this: let’s try not to worry so much about the labels. Let’s be content with where we are. Let’s chuck whether we’re in a relationship, married or single. Let’s not forget what matters deep down – but if we do – let’s recognize the people who come in to remind us. Who shine their own steady, glimmering lights to help us see our own. Namaste. :)
“When another recognizes you, that recognition draws the dimension of Being more fully into this world through both of you. That is the love that redeems the world.” ― Eckhart Tolle
Side note: For those new or unfamiliar to the word Namaste, it is Sanskrit for “I bow to you” and is used often in yoga practices. It originated in India and has many cultural, social and spiritual significations that you can read about here, but generally it represents the acknowledgment of the sameness in us all.
I love Valentines’ Day yogaposts!!! I wrote one too. I’m a new blogger, so I’m checking out a bunch and yours is awesome. I love the Eckhart Tolle quotes. If you check mine out, you’ll see some on my posts as well. Love it. Thanks!!