Can we now retire the phrase #namasteeverydamnday?

Would it be too much to ask to retire phrases #namasteeverydamnday and #yogaeverdamnday? I have many reasons for this request, but what made this phraseology hit close to home is in my work as a mental health counselor.

One day I was counseling a client who had a recent suicide attempt. I asked her how often she struggles with depression and anxiety. Her reply: “I struggle with depression and anxiety every damn day.”

At that point I knew that she was speaking of a place of deep pain and suffering. At that moment she felt her existence was cursed with little hope. With therapy she eventually got better and now lives a more normalized life which she feels she does not view every single day as a curse.

When I see this hashtagged phrase on my newsfeed, it reminds me of that woman’s suffering. Those who post this hashtag don’t seem to be suffering. New trendy yoga blogs like DoYouYoga.com use this phrase liberally. People posting this are usually bikini clad and have an attitude like they don’t have a care in the world.

In my own practice, I am extremely grateful when I can carve out an hour or two of uninterrupted practice. I feel like every day is a blessing with yoga, not cursed. I know it sounds like I am overreacting. Some people I see blogging about yoga use foul language without missing a beat. Much like a truck driver.

Recently, I have been practicing with mantras by repeating the names of Narayana, and sacred hymns from the Vedas. I believe these are creating much positive change in my life. Coupled with my yoga practice, the effects have been quantamized. Again, it has given me the insight to know that every word said and written has latent power which like tiny drops of water an eventually take down a massive structure.

So my request is to be careful what you write and say. Soundforms become words, words become thoughts, thoughts become actions, repeated actions become Karma, wrong actions become Samskara.

Therefore: #namasteeveryblessedday