I’ve been thinking about how we greet each other in this time of contagion. I’ve also been thinking about how politically divided we are. Apparently, I may have too much time on my hands.
I’ve seen people hug, shake hands, elbow bump, foot tap, and look awkward. Obviously fleshly contact isn’t a good idea. The bump and tap look outlandish, like something a guy would think up while watching a football game. It means nothing and it’s a bit too Bro for me.
This morning, at the Patisserie, a number of people stopped by to chat and we all looked at each other bewildered. How could we greet without looking foolish. How could we transmit the warmth we feel without physicality?
My friend Scott came to the rescue. He suggested using the traditional greeting found in many Asian cultures. We’re all familiar with it. It’s called the Wai by Buddhists and Farang by the Thais. Simply put your palms together while looking at the other person. To show respect, bow your head a bit. The deeper the bow, the greater the respect. I think we Americans would prefer a casual nod.
So why is the Wai a more personal greeting? It’s an ancient gesture with an honored tradition. It conveys a deeply personal feeling. The Wai recognizes that all of us have been created by God and that every person carries a divine spark. When you meet someone, you by perform the Wai to acknowledge the Divine that is present in the other.
It seems to me that the Wai is a perfect universal gesture. Religious sects could adopt this gesture while maintaining their teachings. Atheists could use it to express how we are all part of an infinite universe, evolved from the same primordial quantum mists.
Politically, the Wai is neutral. It goes way beyond political divisions. It recognizes the humanity in each of us. What would happen if, when opposing rallies meet, rather than yelling at one another, everyone took a moment to respect the humanity/divinity in each of us?
Perhaps we could move beyond personal animosity and begin to discuss our shared concerns, opening the door to dialog and problem solving.
So from now on, I’m greeting people with the Wai.
To all of you, I greet your humanity and your spark of the divine and infinite.