Wednesday, July 20, 2011

"N" is for NAMASTE



I have met so many amazing bloggers by writing, blog-hopping, commenting and emailing. One blogger in particular always ends her comments with the word “Namaste.” For a long time, I just assumed it was an artistic expression and when I finally arrived as an artist, I would know what it meant.

Forget that. I finally looked it up today, and even though I’m probably the last person in Blogville to “get it,” I would like to share what I found and what it means to me.

C. J. Schlottman, who writes several blogs, has always lifted my self-esteem with her very courteous, praising and respectful comments about my posts. The word respect came to my mind as I researched the meaning of the word.

Namaste: a Hindu gesture of salutation made by placing the palms together, thumbs against the chest and nodding the head slightly.

Wikipedia goes a little further and adds: In Nepal, younger persons usually initiate the exchange with their elders. Initiating the exchange is seen as a sign of respect in other hierarchical settings.

CJ is a very prolific writer and expresses herself with deep and thoughtful words by using various writing styles. Please take a minute to stop by her blog. I think you will be impressed!

The Letter “N” is brought to you by Jenny Matlock, Off On My Tangent, the headmistress of Alphabe-Thursday. Please click on the logo below and see how my classmates have answered the “N” call!

Thanks for stopping by.

Jenny Matlock

19 comments:

Dazee Dreamer said...

Thanks for letting us know what that meant. I follow her also, and feel the same way. Great post.

Paula said...

"Namaste". I like it, and didn't know either what it was. Thank you so much for teaching us something so beautiful today.

Unknown said...

We say nsmaste at the end of a yoga class I take. What a perfect N word.

Chris H said...

An interesting tidbit of information that.. ta so much.

jfb57 said...

How interesting! you are so right about how much we learn from this blogging business!

People Who Know Me Would Say: said...

When I see people use "Namaste" as a salutation, I always read a calm, respect into it. It's just not the same as saying, "Hi, how are you" to me.

Love that you chose this for your N. I'm your newest follower.

Jeanie said...

I will go check out her blogs. She sounds very interesting.
I have read another blog that always ends the same way and I had to look "Namaste" up also.

brainella said...

My penpal always ends her letters that way. :-)

Ames said...

I'm not an artsy person and I had to look it up too. I luv CJ, she is very talented. It was nice of you to give her a shout out!
Namaste~Ames

Jenny said...

I love CJ's blog. It is so positive and encouraging.

Awhile back I found that signature on another blog I enjoy very much.

It's such a wonderful way to close a post, isn't it?

Thanks for a thoughtful link this week for Alphabe-Thursday's letter "N".

Namaste...

and...

A+

Barbara Rosenzweig said...

Thanks so much! I didn't know this before.

I love learning something new every day, even at my age!

storybeader said...

what a nice word to pick for the lesson! Namaste {:-D

Vicki/Jake said...

I've heard the word before but never knew the meaning either. Great week to be educated:)

The Poet said...

Yes, a beautiful word of respect.

Perfect for the "N" post.

Anonymous said...

I've seen that signature line on certain bloggers' posts too and didn't know what it meant. Thanks for sharing!

RNSANE said...

As someone who deeply loves India, its culture and its people, I am familiar with the word, "namaste" -how nice of you to share its mean with all!

My Alphabe Thursday is at:

http://rnsane.blogspot.com/2011/07/alphabe-thursday-n-is-for-new-orleans.html

Hope you have a terrific weekend!

21 Wits said...

Namaste is a great word...I love hearing and seeing it when ever it crosses my way...this is a great N post for the letter N....nicely done! Your photo for the post is very pretty too!

Anonymous said...

Namaste. Good for you for seeking it's meaning.

Personalized Sketches and Sentiments said...

Thanks for sharing the meaning of Namaste...I always enjoy learning the meaning of words...as well as, slangs, customs or how things are done in other parts of the country or world :o)

Blessings & Aloha!
...having fun catching up on some blog reading! If you get a chance to stop by...please leave a comment so that I know you were there :o)