Let’s Talk Gestures- The Many Mudras.
I’m sure everyone has seen the many typical hand symbols used in countless photos, videos, and classes. Throw up a prayer symbol here or the “okay” hand gesture there and call it “enlightening".”
This isn’t to bash on anyone because let’s face it, I did it before I really knew what it meant and I still throw up the gestures. (Probably even more, now that I’ve learned the deeper meaning.)
All the hand symbols or different gestures seen/used during classes, self-practice, social media, etc is the Yoga term: Mudra.
Mudras mean hand gestures, they’re adopted during asana (practice), pranayama (breath work) and meditation that directs flow of energy into our body.
In Sanskrit: Mudra means “seal.” While some mudras involve the entire body, most are performed with the hands and fingers.
According to the yogic science, the human body comprises of five basic elements. The fingers of the hand are connected to these vital elements in the body– Fire (thumb), Air (pointer), Space (middle) , Earth (ring) , and Water (pinky). Now according, to the Yogic Tantras these mudra techniques stimulate different areas of the brain. Getting into a more “hippy dippy” feel for this excerpt, but essentially, becoming in tune with oneself and surroundings— Tuning into your current attitude.
Call it what you’d like, a “spiritual gesture,” if I may; essentially these gestures embody the mind, body, and spirit.
I’ll break down a few of the more well known mudras and what I mean by its more than just a finger gestures and symbols, there is a deeper root to all of this.
*Take what I say at your own terms. These are just my offerings.*
To begin any exercise find a comfortable position. I prefer sukhasana or easy seat, folding both legs (criss cross applesauce.) I also like to be as comfortable as possible, so sitting on a mat, blanket, or cushion etc.
I have been told and I have read not to sit on floor directly as the radiations from the floor can have negative impact on your entire physical system.
Keeping the posture straight, tall spine, relax and relieve yourself from current surroundings and moods. You can close or open your eyes. I personally like my eyes closed, it’s much easier for me to to connect to myself, my breath and it makes concentration and meditation much more easier.
Just go with the flow.
CHIN MUDRA
This is a very commonly used mudra in meditations, also known as the gesture of consciousness. Trying to be aware of one's mind (individual consciousness) is more of the gist of it. The only way to be consciousness of the surroundings is to be more consciousness of yourself; who you are, what you are, what you do. It all starts within first.
Touch the tip of your index finger with the tip of your thumb. The other three fingers, you may keep them straight or free. It doesn’t matter even if they are slightly bent. (think of making the “okay” symbol)
BENEFITS:
Redirects the “Prana” or the flow of energy within our body (increases energy)
with the increase in energy, means improvements in concentration and memory power.
Stimulates of the energies based at the Mooladhara (root) Chakra
which also means alleviates lower pain because of all that energy arising from the root.
In all, thinking about this mudra full circle, if practiced regularly will help anxiety, depression, and improve sleep.
ANJALI MUDRA
Another commonly used gesture. This “prayer” posture is expressed as composure, or returning to one's heart. Most of the time we perform it with our hands at the center of the heart chakra; this represents the balance and harmony between the right and left side reunited in our center. This balance can be not only physical but also mental and emotional. The idea is to bring us to the center to prepare ourselves; whether it is for meditation, physical or mental practice.
Position the hands in the attitude of prayer but instead of pressing the hands together completely, the fingers need to form a shape a little more like a bud. Leaving this small space is a symbol of opening our heart to greater understanding.
Benefit:
Connects the right and left hemispheres of the brain.
Which in returns, keeps one centered.
It is a natural remedy for beating stress.
Promotes respect for oneself and others.
To break it down in a simple definition from Korsiyoga.
"Mudras act to stimulate different parts of the body involved with breathing and to affect the flow of energy in the body and even one's mood. Mudras are a way to concretely see what we want to be and what we need most.”
Being in tune from the inside out, becoming comfortable with your mind, understanding your body, and recognizing your soul all ties together to help bring out the real and raw versions of ourselves.
Don’t worry, I won’t leave you all hanging with just a couple mudras. I will keep updating and offering more information for this section. I just felt like a small snippet to get the gist across is enough to spark a small interest and ignite longer over time.
As always, life is only as beautiful as your mindset, sweet souls.
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