In Yoga philosophy, my favorite translation of the “Namaste” greeting is: “The light/highest in me salutes/acknowledges the light/highest in you.” This means that coming from my own place of light and goodness, I acknowledge the same in you. My practices are to come from this place consistently, and to see others, ALL others. Practicing seeing the light in all connects us to our true Self, and ultimately Samadhi, or bliss.
In the classical dance tradition of Ballet, we also have special ways of greeting and expressing respect for one another. We may enter the dancing space and greet our teacher with a bow, and we also dance a “Révérence” at the end of our class to express reverence, respect, and acknowledgement for the ballet teaching lineage, our own teachers and choreographers, our fellow dancers and classmates, the musicians, our audience, and our own efforts.
When I was training with Accomplishment Coaching, I first practiced this distinction, and discovered that acknowledging others, and being acknowledged myself, is a powerful way to come into, and get back to, my BEING. Acknowledgement is an ontological tool, and a powerful part of us getting complete on a coaching session and approaching every action with purpose, from our Essence.
I approach teaching from the perspective that learning optimally occurs in a physically, emotionally, and intellectually safe community of Inquiry. It’s therefore important to our learning to create a space free of prejudice, instead encouraging exploration, tolerance, and trust. Being present to, and seeking to understand others is supported by listening to and acknowledging how they show up in the world.
We kindly acknowledge ourselves and others using the “Namaste” greeting in Yoga, through Révérence in ballet, and with spoken acknowledgement in coaching... what would it look like if you practiced coming from that place in the “in the wild” of the larger world? Who could you acknowledge today to bring them, and you, into being? I encourage you to practice acknowledgement today, for yourself and others!
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A Blythe Coach: Blythe Stephens
Dance Education & Coaching
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