Why I No Longer Close My Classes by Saying "Namaste"

For many years, I ended my yoga classes with the word "namaste." The sentiment behind the word, as I understood it, resonated deeply with me. My interpretation of "namaste" — "The light in me sees the light in you" — is a beautiful acknowledgment of energy, connection, and shared humanity. It felt like a meaningful and heartfelt way to conclude a practice rooted in mindfulness and presence.

However, over time, I began to question my use of the word. While I love the sentiment of my interpretation, I’ve come to realize that it is just that: my interpretation. "Namaste" is a word with deep spiritual and cultural significance in its original context, a context I was not raised in. What I learned about "namaste" has been filtered through the lens of Western yoga practitioners, and as with any translation, subtleties of meaning and cultural significance are often lost or altered.

The more I reflected, the more I recognized that "namaste" is not mine to share. It comes from a culture that is not my own, and using it without a full understanding feels, to me, disrespectful. I’ve also grown increasingly uncomfortable with the commercialization of "namaste" in Western yoga culture. It has become a trendy buzzword on t-shirts, coffee mugs, and social media hashtags, often stripped of its original spiritual depth and reduced to a token of yoga's aesthetic. This commodification diminishes the word’s profound meaning, and as a yoga teacher, I want to ensure that my practice honors the roots of yoga rather than contributing to their erosion.

Cultural appropriation is a concept that I’ve been striving to better understand and address in my teaching. While it’s not always easy to navigate, I’ve realized that my use of "namaste" as a non-Indian practitioner can be seen as a form of appropriation. It’s a borrowing of cultural and spiritual traditions that, when used outside their original context, may inadvertently perpetuate harm. Even with good intentions, I believe it’s important to reflect on how our actions as yoga practitioners in the West impact the cultures from which yoga originates.

This reflection has led me to change how I close my classes. Instead of saying "namaste," I now choose language that feels authentic to me and aligns with my values as a teacher. I focus on offering gratitude, acknowledging the shared energy of the group, and inviting students to take the practice with them off the mat. For example, I might say:

• "Thank you for sharing your practice with me."

• "I honor the energy we’ve created together."

• "May this practice support you as you move through your day."

These phrases are simple, heartfelt, and true to my own voice. They allow me to close my classes in a way that honors connection and mindfulness without appropriating a culture that is not my own.

Yoga is a practice of growth, humility, and constant learning. For me, letting go of "namaste" is part of that journey. It’s a small but meaningful step toward teaching in a way that respects the depth and origins of yoga while staying true to who I am. To those who have guided me in this reflection, knowingly or unknowingly, I offer my gratitude.

Disclaimer
All beliefs and perspectives shared in this blog are uniquely mine, shaped by my experiences and personal journey. However, due to challenges with language and expression following a brain injury, I use AI as a supportive tool in crafting my blog entries. This collaboration helps me articulate my thoughts more clearly while staying true to my voice.