Expanding vocabulary beyond "Namaste"

After coming to terms with the new President elect, I found myself re-reading an article given to me during my yoga teacher training. It has helped me find peace with a decision made for me, and accept what is.

Namaste. Everyone knows this word. But guess what...there are other really cool sanskrit words we can use as mantras or whisper to ourselves! And many of them are quite applicable to this recent election.

1. Santosha - Contentment

Santosha is the practice of finding contentment, regardless of external circumstances. So my candidate didn't win. Conflict is inevitable, but drama is a choice. I'm content with the decision I made in who I voted for, I've done my part, and all I have left to give is love to those around me.

2. Upeksha - Equanimity

We are constantly pulled in two different directions...toward the things or people we desire, or away from things or people we're averse to. Be mindful of this and don't get sucked into the riptide of negativity.

3. Sraddah - Faith

We don't always know where life is going to lead us, and it can be unnerving at times not knowing what's ahead. What's to come of the next 4 years? Grasp tightly to your intuition, keep walking towards your own happiness, and know that this small part of reality does not have to knock you off your path if you don't let it.

4. Bhavana - To cultivate

In order for a plant to grow well, the soil must be healthy. Nourish the soil (our minds), pull out the weeds (bad behaviors), and plant the seeds that bring things you want more of in your life. You want less greed? Plant humbleness. Want less hate? Plant love. Less discrimination? Plant acceptance. If we want our children to grow up in a better world, the sowing starts now.

5. Satya - Truth and honesty

"To believe in something and not live it is dishonest." - Gandhi

Which direction is my moral compass pointing? Do I practice what I preach? What I say and what I do have not always been in accordance with one another, and this has been the cause of all suffering. Be honest with yourself...your strengths, your shortcomings - and live your truth. This is the practice of satya.

"When all your desires are distilled,

You will cast two votes,

To love more and to be happy." - Hafiz