Yoga At Home with Jane Wiesner Food for Thought |
 Jane Wiesner signing copies of her book Who Am I? at the 2003 launch. |
I'd just like to thank my daughter Sarah for all of her hard work in producing such a wonderful new website for me. Sarah's added some lovely features, which I hope you enjoy exploring. Pay special attention to the 'next' and 'previous' links at the bottom of the page. The site has been designed so that you can browse through it in sequential order and make sure you don't miss a single page!
From time to time I will write something for this page. The subject for the New Year is 'namaste' and non-judgement (this includes self-judgement and the judgement of others).
This is something very close to my heart, as 'judgement' has had an enormous influence on my life. Growing up with a single parent, at a time when it wasn't the norm (back in the sixties), meant that I was often subject to the judgement of others. When others judge us harshly we often transfer that negativity back onto ourselves, so my sense of self-worth was virtually non-existent. As a child singled out in a classroom for being different, I felt inferior—alienated from everyone else. There is a bit of that child still in me, just as your inner child is alive and well, behind the veil of the unconscious mind.
Namaste basically translates as 'saluting the light in you'. When you find yourself judging others (or yourself), remember to say the word 'namaste' silently to yourself as a reminder that within each one of us, there is a wonderful essence of pure humanity underneath the terms and conditions we place on ourselves and on others. Learn to love the light in yourself and the light in others.
Something to remember when dealing with others is that they are doing the best they can. And often, the most seemingly opinionated or arrogant people are just masking the greatest hurts. We are all limited by what we know—governed by our own internal 'truths'. Sometimes, these 'truths' can be full of self-condemnation or resentment. We are a product of our experiences. This can mean that, as the saying goes, 'we can't see the forrest for the trees'; our vision is clouded by past experience or anticipation over future events. So, for our health and wellbeing, and to be in touch with the yogic way of being (clarity of mind, acceptance of others, living in the 'now'), it is important that we remember to think of 'namaste' to help us practice non-judgement.
To read more about how yoga can help you to salute the light in others, and in yourself, see the Articles page, as well as the About Yoga page.
Namaste!
Jane Wiesner
Principal of the Body and Mind School of Yoga
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