What's in a Name?

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"OPA" is a Greek word that denotes the celebration of Life. Most likely, you’ve heard the word at a restaurant (Greek or not) when someone broke a plate–on purpose or unintentionally. Or you’ve heard the word at a wedding or Greek festival when people are dancing. Or, perhaps you’ve watched a Greek-themed movie during which the word is used in some kind of enthusiastic celebration. You may have even been to Greece and heard the word at various times during your visit.

“Opa!” is a very interesting word; one that as we’ve mentioned has a very long history. Indeed, it is much more than simply a word per se. It also is a concept that carries with it deep and profound meaning. Meaning that can help all of us as we travel along life’s highway. So now we’d like to briefly introduce this underlying meaning of the Greek word “Opa!” and put it into a practical context so that you can use it for your own benefit–to build resilience, foster engagement, manage life transitions, enjoy life to the fullest–in your personal life and in your work.

From its ancient roots, the Greek word “Opa!” can be viewed as two sides of the same coin: one side (ΌΠΑ) refers to the uplifting, inspiring, enthusiastic expression that is often heard during some kind of celebration (a manifestation of “kefi” or spirit); the other (ΏΠΑ) refers very seriously to the human need to remain alert, warn ourselves and others, look out for any possible “danger” in one’s path, and be more awake to life’s potential, unlimited opportunities. Like the holistic concept of the yin and yang inChinese philosophy, both sides of the Greek concept of Opa! are interdependent and are needed to achieve our highest potential.

We’ve built upon the ancient roots of this powerful, meaning-focused concept, along with our intimate and broad-based experience in Greece both before and during the country’s crisis and formed an acronym using the anglicized letters of the Greek word “Opa!” This acronym, as we mentioned above, provides a useful “mantra” (and formula) for living and working with meaning for everyone. In brief, the letter “O” refers to the basic human need to “Connect Meaningfully with Others”; the letter “P” refers to the basic human need to “Engage with Deeper Purpose”; and the letter “A” refers to the basic human need to “Embrace Life (all of life) with Attitude.” Others, Purpose, Attitude! O, P, A! “Opa!”

Imagine if we really could live the “good” life, the happy, healthy, meaningful life. And imagine if organizations in all sectors and industries were focused on and authentically committed to leading with and to meaning. At the count of three, we’d like you, wherever you may be when you read this post, to say–with enthusiasm: “Opa!”

From the Fast Company Article “https://www.fastcompany.com/3009828/can-this-one-greek-word-improve-your-work-and-life” 

 Rasa (Sanskrit: रस, Malayalam: രാസ്യം) literally means juice, essence or taste. It connotes a concept in Indian culture about the aesthetic flavor of any visual, literary or musical work that evokes an emotion or feeling in the reader or audience but cannot be described using rational or logical mind. It comes from the intangible, the soul.

It refers to the emotional flavors/essence crafted into the subject and relished by a 'sensitive spectator' or sahṛdaya, literally one who "has heart", who connects to the soul or spirit of the work emotionally.

According to the Rasa theory, the primary goal is to transport an individual into another parallel reality, full of wonder and bliss, where they experience the essence of consciousness, and reflect on spiritual and moral questions.

• From our perspective, RASA is also an acronym which we use to remind us of what we are here to do:
• Receive the message from individuals in our community of what they need from us,
• Appreciate and honor the courage and vulnerability these individuals have to come forward and ask for help,
• Summarize these needs and stories we are given from people into a powerful narrative that we share with others who have the ability and desire to help, and to
• Ask ourselves and others how we can better serve them and our community.

RASA is literally the essence of the mission of OPA RASA.