If you have been to a yoga class you will certainly have closed the class this way. If you have traveled to India you would have experienced this greeting used as prevalently as "hello" or "goodbye." You may even have friends who sign e-mails with this word that you feel like you should know but haven't yet added to your repertoire.

  My favorite definition of Namaste is "I honor the place in you in which the entire universe dwells, I honor the place in you which is of love, of truth, of light and of peace. When you are in that place in you, and I am in that place in me, we are one."

  What a wonderful opportunity to practice compassion -- at the beginning and end of every interaction. To recognize that we project our own reality onto the world and to build the ability to see the perfection in both yourself and the one whom you address simultaneously, reinforces the connection of all beings.

  The connection which is the antagonist to the pandemic of disconnect that breeds all types of miserable states such as addiction, co-dependence, joyless striving and victim mentality.

  Other definitions include Deepak Chopra's "I honor the spirit in you which is also in me." "I salute the god within you" and "The divine light in me salutes the divine light in you." Notice that in order to really embrace the spark of life in another human being, we must also embrace that which shines in our own hearts as well.

  For many, lifetimes of low self-worth can lead them to feel others deserve love and understanding far more than they do. That if they are ever truly seen and heard, what resides in their broken hearts would be truly unlovable. When in this state of mind it is impossible to practice loving-kindness for the world around you, even toward those with whom you most desire to share your love.

  Without a true and sound understanding of your unique ability to add color and virtue to the evolving tapestry of life, you can give nothing. It is when you become open to grace and full of life that you will then have the capacity to radiate. Sing "This little light of mine…"

  There is only one way to change emotional blueprints and that is with practice. To remember something again and again begins to change your brain chemistry and allow synapses to fire down different pathways.

  A good start would be to practice greeting everyone with an open mind, with non-judgment and acceptance as you recognize they hold divinity in their souls. And so, friends, do you. Namaste.