In class recently, a new student asked me what “namaste” meant. I answered simply, “It means that the sacred in me honors the sacred in you.” I didn’t tell her that in Bengal, they usually say “namascara” as my meditation teacher did. He had lived and studied in Calcutta Bengal India, so naturally he insisted the proper phrase was “namascara.” And the year we lived in India, I heard “namascara” often as not. But I also bow to the yogic tradition in America and use “namaste” in my classes.

Linguistic technicality aside, today I post with a heart weeping for all Haitians. If I could be of any help to those suffering on the island, I’d be there in a breath. I’m sure you would as well. It is difficult to sit here and feel helpless as far as lifting one of those slabs of concrete, or even soothing a traumatized brow. This earthquake is a disaster of unbelievable magnitude. I need to practice ujjayi breath!

This post is dedicated to all Haitians who are injured, mentally or physically. I bow to the sacred in you. NAMASTE.