Friday, July 18, 2008

Why CSJ Namaste?

Well, you may be wondering about the title "CSJ Namaste".

I think the first part may be self-explanatory to many but if you're not sure... it stands for Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of which I belong to.

The other part, Namaste, is a Hindu-Sanskrit word that means things like this:

- "I honor the Spirit in you which is also in me."
- "Your spirit and my spirit are One."
- "That which is of the Divine in me greets that which is of the Divine in you." (wikipedia.com)

and I think the coolest is:
- "I honor the place in you in which the entire Universe dwells, I honor the place in you which is of Love, of Integrity, of Wisdom and of Peace. When you are in that place in you, and I am in that plan in me, we are One."

I have heard of this greeting before and knew it was of another culture but was truly introduced to it at one of our CSJ gatherings. I love this word because of it's many meanings. You don't say "Namaste" as a quick hello while you're rushing past someone. It requires an internal slowing down and being. It isso much related to the "dear neighbor", which CSJs talk about so frequently. The idea is about us all being one and treating one another as God's creation and as an extension of some part of ourselves. This 2-year period of novitiate will bring about an internal slowing down which can (I hope) allow me to find God in everything, everyone, and every experience. My heart is drawing closer to all of these ideas and I hope that this blog/journaling will reflect/honor this process of getting closer to God in and around me... as well as keep you up-to-date with what's going on in my life. Namaste!

12 comments:

Jeanne said...

Jenn! I love it! The name CSJ Namaste is perfect! Thanks for posting my blog post, too!
I was delighted to see Sarah,csj's blog post! I had real 'flip backs' to Peru when I read it.More in your propio e-mail!
Juanita

Jeanne said...

My dear Jenn,
WONDERFUL! WONDERFUL! WONDERFUL! So proud to have you as CSJ. Your responses were YOU - real, honest, loving. Will write more later. Thanks for allowing me to be a part of it all. Loved the pictures!
Your sister, Jeanne

Sally Nazareth said...

Jenn I not sure what I am doing. Your blog is great. Enjoyed the pictures and and all the other blogs especially Jeanne's. this is great if I'm doing this right.
God bless. Sally Nazareth

Sally Nazareth said...

Jenn, I have put your Blog on the computers in the Computer Lab at Nazareth. It will be slow in learning how to communicate, but we will get there.
Sally Nazareth

Anonymous said...

Jenn,
Enjoyed your first blog. I have saved your website to my favorites.
This a wonderful way for you to share your journey as you discover the charism of our community.
You will be in my daily prayers.
Ann Therese

Anonymous said...

Jenn,
Thanks for sharing a bit of your journey and yourself with us. I look forward to our 8 months in California together. this will be a great way to communicate with our sisters and associates everywhere...plus those who might have questions about this wonderful gift called religious life. Ann L. Wichita

Anonymous said...

Jenn, I tried this yesterday but I evidently didn't do this correctly. I think your choice of the name is wonderful, especially after reading the explaination of Namaste. How do you find these things? God Bless you as you begin your Novitiate.
Sharon

Anonymous said...

Dear Jenn,
As you begin your novitiate, I think back to my own and realize
how shallow the depth of my beginnings were. You hve such depth and insights that I have never thought of before.
May your Religious life be always filled with such profound faith and eager beginnings over and over again. Love, Gracie

Anonymous said...

Jenn - this is an awesome website! It's hard to believe that a week has passed since you and Kathy took off for CA. I enjoyed seeing the short videos and the others who are sharing this experience with you. It doesn't sound like you have much time to become bored. Know that you are in my prayers each day. Love, Jeanne

Teri said...

I too love the word Namaste. And I love seeing it filtering through Catholicism! You're right it does require "presence" when using it. Blessings!

Anonymous said...

Hola! and Namaste!
I just wanted to VISIT fairly early in 2009! Love the Blog!
Peace & love,
Mary Jo

Anonymous said...

Have you stopped blogging?
have enjoyed it but have not seen any recent postings.
Prayers for you!
jane