Namaste is the new cool!

We have been in the midst of a pandemic for some time now. Many things have changed and evolved during these months. We all have had our share of adjustments and are still learning. We are all looking forward to a highly anticipated new normal. One thing that changes during this pandemic was the way people greeted each other. We saw a lot of compassion and empathy in world leaders for the vulnerable population. And while the new channels flooded interviews, speeches and statistical data, the one thing that caught my eye was the world gearing up to our Indian way of greeting “Namaste”( pronounced \NAH-muh-stay\) . We saw people across continents learn and absorb this Indian way of greeting when they met people. Even Google acknowledged, “Namaste is the new Hug!” We all knew it aided in sharing warmth while still maintaining the social distancing norms.

Pic Courtesy - Dr. Nandan Chugh and her lovely daughters❤❤

That’s where my research started, most traditions and customs in India can be traced back to science. I tried to do some exploration to recognize the science behind our “Namaste”. The research became an eye-opener for me as well. Let’s begin with the meaning of word Namaste and its origin. It is derived from the Sanskrit word “Namah” which means “bowing “and “Te” means “you”. So it literally means “bowing to you”. Namaste is usually spoken with a slight bow and hands pressed together, palms touching and fingers pointing upwards, thumbs close to the chest. This gesture is called Anjali mudra. Our palms have a lot of nerve endings – something that medical science also affirms today. There is a whole science of mudras in yoga. Just by holding your hand in certain ways, you can make your whole system function in different ways. The moment you place your hands together, your dualities, your likes and dislikes, your cravings and aversions, all these things are leveled out. There is a certain oneness to the expression of who you are. The energies are functioning as one.

Also, Joining both hands and joining the tips of all fingers together activates the pressure points in the ears, eyes and the part of the mind that are associated with memory. So it helps to remember the person at the opposite end for a long time. When you shake hands, there is an equal possibility of negative energy or positive energy flowing through between the bodies, as it is also referred by the terms like Confident and vibes in the modern world. When you perform Namaste, due to no physical connection, there is only a flow of Positive energy.

Namaskar brings us to the root of the humanity, away from all ego and negativity. Let me end with a “Namaste” to all my readers and followers. 🙏

Why don’t you all share the synonym for “Namaste” in your native language…..lets fill the comments with positive and spiritual energy!