From YogaReflexions - framed photo available at JoyFull Yoga

From YogaReflexions – framed photo available at JoyFull Yoga

JoyFull Living – by Louise Lavergne

One of the most beautiful greetings I know is a Sanskrit word: “Namaste.” It means the Divinity or Light within me greets the Divinity or Light within you. There is a YouTube video of Pastor Eddie D. Smith Sr. using it in a sermon to inspire especially young people to respect each other and the gift of Life.

We took our 8 year old daughter to Disneyland recently and it struck me that part of the “magic” of being there is the way that every “cast” member, whether it’s the gardener, sweeper, ticket teller or waitress, treats you like you matter, everywhere you go. Everyone shares their smiles and acknowledges that you are part of the success of their day. Disney’s philosophy is the art of living Namaste! If we all greeted each other like we matter, it would be like being in Disneyland everyday (without all the rides and characters). The best of me acknowledges the best in you. You may not be comfortable using a foreign word in your everyday life but what if we all greeted each other with a heartfelt hello, seeing that there is something special in each and everyone of us. It is the gift of Life—the possibility for unconditional love in our hearts. If we can see through the “busyness” of the day and through all the worries and fears… there is a common gift we all share—regardless of our beliefs…If we could remember that, then say hello…we could create a more Joy-Full world right here in Jacksonville and everywhere we go.

We all have our own sets of worries and challenges but taking it out on others doesn’t help anybody, least of all you. The fact is that we are all part of the web of life. In the bigger picture of the world, we are all affected by each other. When we choose to share the best within us, we help the people we interact with to do the same. World peace begins in your heart, in this moment.

Take a gentle, loving breath into your body now…pause…. Breathe out peace. Breathe in the sunshine, fill your entire body and mind NOW…. Breathe it out… Do that again… Breathe in Sunshine… Breathe out a mist of Light all around you. Don’t judge it, just try it! Again, take a breath like it matters (and it does…) appreciate the gift of this invisible substance that is keeping you alive… breathe it out… Feel the gift of each breath regardless of what is going on outside yourself. Just take a moment to connect and remember the Divinity within you.

Now take another moment and ask yourself: How can I make this day better for others and for me? Practice smiling and greet everyone with this awareness. Have compassion for the grumpy or angry people you come upon. They forgot to turn their Light on. Don’t judge, see that somewhere in them there is a Light and help them remember. Greet them with that awareness. Namaste—I see you, you matter, and I hope you feel better! Let’s just greet each other with the best of who we are. Namaste. © Louise Lavergne 2001-2013

Louise Lavergne

Louise Lavergne of JoyFull Living Wellness Center

Louise is a creator of JoyFull Yoga; She’s a JoyFull living coach, International Motivational speaker & owns JoyFull Living Wellness Center located at 135 S. Oregon Street in Jacksonville. She offers group & private sessions. She has been practicing and teaching yoga and meditation for over 25 years. Please visit one of Louise’s websites and join her email list to receive updates of events and services offered at www.joyfull-yoga.com or www.joyfull-living.com or call 541-899-0707. 

Posted July 13, 2013