Yoga, for me, is deeply personal. When I teach, and the words begin to flow, they’re not rehearsed - they come straight from my heart. If they somehow land in your heart too… that feels truly divine.
At the end of every yoga class I attend or lead, the teacher brings their hands to their heart center, bows gently, and says,
“Namaste.” You return the gesture - hands together, head bowed - but have you ever wondered what the word
Namaste
really means? Why it’s spoken at the end of class? And what it represents beyond the mat?
Let’s take a deep breath and explore the meaning behind this sacred word, how it connects the mind, body, and soul, and why sometimes the most powerful part of yoga happens in stillness.
What Does Namaste Mean?
For me,
Namaste
is more than a greeting - it’s a recognition. The Sanskrit word
Namaste
(nah-mah-stay) is often translated as: “The divine light in me honors the divine light in you.” It’s a way of saying:
“I see you. I honor your presence. We are connected.”
In yoga,
Namaste
is traditionally offered at the end of class to honor myself and those practicing beside me. It marks the closing of physical movement and the opening of inner awareness. It’s a reminder that you are not just a body stretching on a mat but rather an energy, spirit, and consciousness.
Mind, Body & Soul: The Union of Yoga
Yoga isn’t just a workout for me - it’s a work-in. It connects me to my breath, emotions, and deeper self. But to feel that connection, I have to pause long enough to notice it.
As my breath slows after the final pose, my nervous system begins to shift. My mind softens. My body, having moved and released, becomes still. And in that stillness — that sacred pause — something beautiful happens: I start to feel my whole self.
- Mind: My thoughts quiet, and awareness sharpens.
- Body: Muscles release, tension fades.
- Soul: There’s a sense of peace, connection, and presence.
It’s easy to rush off the mat after the final pose, but I’ve found the real magic often happens when I stay and give myself a few more intentional breaths to feel that inner stillness.
The Power of Just a Few More Breaths
Staying a few extra moments in
Savasana
(final resting pose) feels like letting my practice soak in. I’m allowing my body to absorb the benefits and my spirit to settle. It’s also a powerful way to carry the energy of my practice with me into my day, my relationships, and my inner world.
These final breaths aren’t just an ending — they’re a beginning.
Stay With Me for a Few More Breaths
So next time you hear
Namaste, don’t rush away. Let it be a moment of deep connection - to yourself, to others, and to something greater. And if you feel ready to take that connection further, I invite you to stay with me for a few more breaths - and join our community.
Explore our upcoming classes, online meditations, or gentle evening flows designed to help you unwind, connect, and truly feel what it means to live beyond the mat.
Namaste.
