Anyone notice his odd salutation to the crowd when Leo first stepped onto the balcony today? It reminded me of Tim Walz’ signature entrances at the DNC convention and on the stump… the flailing of both arms in the air followed by the “namaste” hand signal (palms pressed together, fingers touching and pointing upwards) and a slight bow. Movie stars at award shows do that too.
Instead of a blessing and solemn sign of the cross, Leo gave us the yoga “Anjali Mudra” gesture acknowledging the “oneness of all beings and the presence of the divine in everyone.” Namaste is a common in Hindu worship. The word comes from Sanskrit and traditionally signifies, “I bow to the divine light within you.” Bowing to an elder, a teacher, a highly respected individual, or a holy being, has become interwoven into the culture of Nepal and India as a common greeting.
Alas, we’ve come a long way from the simply infamous “Buonasera.”
Anyone notice his odd salutation to the crowd when Leo first stepped onto the balcony today? It reminded me of Tim Walz’ signature entrances at the DNC convention and on the stump… the flailing of both arms in the air followed by the “namaste” hand signal (palms pressed together, fingers touching and pointing upwards) and a slight bow. Movie stars at award shows do that too.
Instead of a blessing and solemn sign of the cross, Leo gave us the yoga “Anjali Mudra” gesture acknowledging the “oneness of all beings and the presence of the divine in everyone.” Namaste is a common in Hindu worship. The word comes from Sanskrit and traditionally signifies, “I bow to the divine light within you.” Bowing to an elder, a teacher, a highly respected individual, or a holy being, has become interwoven into the culture of Nepal and India as a common greeting.
Alas, we’ve come a long way from the simply infamous “Buonasera.”