To perform Namaste, we place the hands together at the heart charka, close the eyes, and bow the head. It can also be done by placing the hands together in front of the third eye, bowing the head, and then bringing the hands down to the heart. This is an especially deep form of respect. Although in the West the word “Namaste” is usually spoken in conjunction with the gesture, in India, it is understood that the gesture itself signifies Namaste, and therefore, it is unnecessary to say the word while bowing.

We bring the hands together at the heart chakra to increase the flow of Divine love. Bowing the head and closing the eyes helps the mind surrender to the Divine in the heart. One can do Namaste to oneself as a meditation technique to go deeper inside the heart chakra; when done with someone else, it is also a beautiful, albeit quick, meditation.

For a teacher and student, Namaste allows two individuals to come together energetically to a place of connection and timelessness, free from the bonds of ego-connection. If it is done with deep feeling in the heart and with the mind surrendered, a deep union of spirits can blossom.

Ideally, Namaste should be done both at the beginning and at the end of class. Usually, it is done at the end of class because the mind is less active and the energy in the room is more peaceful. The teacher initiates Namaste as a symbol of gratitude and respect toward her students and her own teachers and in return invites the students to connect with their lineage, thereby allowing the truth to flow—the truth that we are all one when we live from the heart.

The next couple of weeks, Wordless Wednesday will feature photographs from that trip.

I hope you enjoy!

Namaste

Mosey on back next week for more photos.

Mid August I was sitting in my office. It was about 8:00 PM. I received a call from a young lady who asked me if I had October 7th available. I did. we spoke a little about her plans and scheduled a day and time to meet to discuss all of the particulars and sign a contract. Before we completed the call, Brenda asked, “This is going to be a gay wedding. Are you OK with that?” I was at first glance a little puzzled by the question, but quickly responded, “Absolutely!” The rest as they say is history and you can see that history in the words and photos which follow. Once again, I hope you enjoy reading and seeing the photos as much as I enjoyed making them.

Brenda and Linda have been together for 20-years. That’s a lifetime in the married world. If you’re lucky enough to see 20-years in today’s married world, you know you have achieved a mile marker of greatness. To be together for 20-years and then to get married means so much more. I think it’s a travesty the couple had to wait to get married and still have trouble wrapping my mind around the fact until very recently, marriage was only legal to members of the opposite sex.

I won’t get into the politics here because that’s not what this site is about. This site is about the couple’s who share their love enough to want to enter into an agreement until “death do us part.”

I met with Brenda and Linda at the Westwood Country Club. The couple said their vows and partied the night away at an absolute jewel in Western New York.

One of my favorite things to photograph on a wedding day are the details. There are so many ways to shoot a table, etc. I also think it’s one of the more important photos to get. Too many times we miss those details and I usually hear the couple say, “We never got to see “that” because we were so busy with everything else.

The couple completed a wince and chocolate ceremony often called “Bittersweet love.” This was my favorite part of the couple’s ceremony. A little bit more about this in the next post.

True love and happiness. Promises fulfilled after 20-years of waiting.

One of the most beautiful cakes I have seen.

I’m going to add another post specifically detailing the couple’s ceremony. I thought with all of the photos it needed its own post.

I hope you enjoyed.

Namaste.

Chris

The beautiful Bluff Point Lighthouse was constructed on the island in 1874. For some 57 years the lighthouse was maintained by a resident keeper and his family. In 1929 a steel tower was built just to the south of the structure, the light was moved to the top of this steel beacon where it remains today. Today, the lighthouse is accessible; and by special arrangement with the Clinton County Historical Association, visitors may receive a guided tour.

Namaste

Thanks to the AWESOME support from the Accessium Group for getting me up and running so quickly.

If you’re looking for a new IT company, scroll on over to the Accessium Group’s website and give them a call.

I had so much fun with Marcie and Paul doing the couple’s e-shoot, I’ve decided to post additional photos from the event.

Enjoy!

If you’ve enjoyed what you’ve seen so far, don’t stray far…there’s more to come.

The red umbrella brightened what would have been an otherwise dreary, rainy day.

Namaste

Namaste

I hope everyone enjoys!
I love sunrises and I especially love running at sunrise. There’s nothing like a good sunrise to recharge the batteries and make everything alright.

Namaste

]]> http://christopherkijowskiphotography.com/blog/2011/11/buffalo-ny-wedding-photography-wordless-wednesday-41/feed/ 0 http://christopherkijowskiphotography.com/blog/2011/11/buffalo-ny-wedding-photography-wordless-wednesday-40/ http://christopherkijowskiphotography.com/blog/2011/11/buffalo-ny-wedding-photography-wordless-wednesday-40/#comments Wed, 23 Nov 2011 12:10:12 +0000 Christopher http://christopherkijowskiphotography.com/blog/?p=3648 I took a head clearing walk late last week after the culmination of what was an extremely busy and difficult week. As a social worker, the week leading up to Thanksgiving and then as we get closer to Christmas are not as joyful as I would like. I’m only human. I feel the same stress my patients feel. My coping skills are challenged and this is when I take advantage of the store of energy I maintain as a result of my meditation and contemplative walks/runs.

This week saw me tapping into those reserves. I am thankful I have been maintaining a positive balance in my emotional bank account.

Enjoy “Wordless Wednesday!”

This walk was what I needed. When I walk and even run (Yes, I take a point and shoot with me on my runs) I practice contemplative photography. My eyes are constantly taking in the sights and the accompanying light.