Tattoo Story “Om Namah Shivaya”

I had this tattoo completed in January of this year, but have been planning it since my previous tattoo in December 2007. The mantra “Om Namah Shivaya”, while interpreted in several ways, has been said to mean “I honour the divinity within me”. When doing my research about it, the message seemed to resonate with me, but ultimately took on a greater significance by the time I actually got the work done. After losing my Aunt to MS in October, I found myself in a rather deep state of depression and this mantra helped me to recognize and cherish the many gifts I have to share and to be sure not to take them for granted, given the fleeting nature of life. The placement on my feet was intentional and had several inspirations - 1) acknowledging my past as a dancer  2) celebrating my recent foray into running 3) encouraging me to continue my practice and exploration of yoga, and the possibility of guiding others. Each time I engage in the experience of yoga, I have this wonderful visual to help set an intention for the practice. The choice of the colour green was meant to reflect vitality, energy and growth. I had initially intended to have the lettering filled in, but decided instead to give myself the opportunity to do so at a later date and instead enjoy the contrast between the outline and the flesh itself, making the tattoo feel like an organic part of my being.

Namaste,
Cory