Namaste’ no more

Written By Inga - The Yoga Goddess

I remember when I decided I wanted to teach yoga.  

I was inspired by a few black teachers that I saw, working to expand holistic wellness in the BIPOC community. 

I wanted to inspire others the way I was inspired, so I signed up for teacher training in 2015.

We never talked about the word Namaste' or it's meaning - it was just always said at the end of every class I ever went to.  

Almost like there was a silent agreement that it's what you say at the end of class. 

So naturally, I ended every class with "Namaste'".

....fast forward to last week. 

Almost ten years later, I watched a video of a comedian from India.

Saying that Namaste is like saying "sup". 

I looked it up.

namaste literally means "greetings to you.”

So I decided to stop saying it at the end of class. 

Doesn't make any sense to say "thank you for coming, HI” at the end of yoga class, right? 

Also, why do things just because everyone else does?

I didn’t even realize I was doing that!

A week in, and I did not realize how much this process would affect me. 

My students look at me crazy at the end of class because I don't say it.

It's interesting because that's how common it is. 

Instead I have been ending with thank you.  

There are so many references to this word in yoga, that not saying it almost feels wrong. 

Isn't that how change feels?

When you are so attached to doing things a certain way, changing it feels almost like personal betrayal.

While I commonly work to implement change in my yoga classes (changing the direction of the room, teaching creatively, etc.) this feels big. 

It seems like the word "Namaste" is misinterpreted so commonly, that we are attracted to it unconsciously.

But that's how change works. We have to move past the discomfort in order to grow. And while I know others will keep saying it at the end of their classes,

I choose to let it go. 

I am excited to see the growth that happens in the community when we embrace big changes. 

As uncomfortable as it is, this is how we evolve.

I’ll greet you with Namaste’ and leave you with gratitude.

We might start saying OM.

(that’s a whole ‘nother blog post.)

This is the first of many, and I hope you enjoyed it! 

I'm not one of those to create things that are pretty or perfect in any way. , so know that this or future posts may trigger/tickle/annoy/delight you - I'm here for it all!

Follow me on Instagram

@yoga.goddess420 

All the love, 

Inga


Inga - The Yoga Goddess

Inga found her passion for yoga and fitness while battling her own depression, obesity, and anxiety.

In 2007, a heart attack brought her health to he forefront of importance.

She started practicing yoga to lose weight.

Combining power lifting and yoga led to her getting sober & losing 100 lbs.in one year, she decided to pursue a career in teaching yoga.

Her first training was in 2015 with the Yoga Institute in Houston TX. She went on to continue her education and expand knowledge, becoming certified in a multitude of yoga styles and formats. These include ButiYoga, Yin, Restorative, Yoga Nidra, Creative Vinyasa, and more.

She went on to incorporate sound healing meditation experiences into her classes, helping others to meditate with ease. In 2016, she added reiki (energy healing) to her education, becoming a reiki master in 2018.

When you attend Inga’s class, you can expect an immersive experience. Her goal is to help others disconnect from their everyday challenges, deepening connection to self. You’ll enter an inclusive space that cultivates meditation, mindfulness, and compassion. You will leave feeling rejuvenated, alive, and ready to take on anything.

https://www.ingatheyogagoddess.com/
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