11.5.17

the ocean in a drop

9.17.17

ahamkara mudra

1. Bring the thumb to touch the tip of the pointer finger, or halfway between the middle knuckle and tip of the pointer finger.

2. Extend the 3 remaining fingers, keeping them straight and gently spread.

3. Manifest the mudra with both hands simultaneously.

4.  Relax the shoulders, hold the hands around the navel or solar plexus, with fingers pointing away from the body.

5.  Take deep full breaths feeling the powerful energy at the solar plexus, the Manipura Chakra.
Ahamkara is translated as "I-maker" and corresponds to the ego.  This mudra helps to build self-confidence and personal power and corresponds with the Manipura Chakra.  It may be practiced when self-confidence needs a boost, when one is feeling self-conscious, doubtful in their abilities, low, and fearful.  It helps to eliminate negative energies from the body and develope a positive attitude.  This mudra helps to fortify self-importance and aids us in expressing it appropriately.   It can be practiced daily, beginning with 10 minutes a day.  

5.11.17

exhale compassion

compassion mudra:

- Sit tall with arms outstretched at shoulder height, fingers spread wide, palms face forward.

- Steady and deepen your breathing.

- As you inhale turn your head to gaze at your right thumb.  As you exhale gaze back to center.

- Repeat this 4 times, the do the same on the other hand.

- As you breath feel a flow of acceptance, love and compassion through the heart and arms.

(if you'd like to receive my monthly yoga newsletter, send me a comment.  this month is about compassion.)

4.5.16

shankh mudra

I did some yoga with my hands today.  Here's what I know about Shankh, or shell, Mudra:

"The Shell Mudra drives away every kind of problem in the throat.  if you practice it regularly, especially if you sing "OM" as you do it, you can improve your voice.  It also has a very calming effect and leads to collection in silence." - Gertrud Hirshi 

This mudra resembles a conch shell - which is blown to signal the opening of ceremonies at many Hindu temples.  So you can think of it as opening our own temple doors, letting out your inner light or voice.  

To manifest this mudra wrap the four fingers of your right hand around your left thumb.  The right thumb extends upward and gently presses into your left middle finger.  Hold both hands in front of your sternum.  You can practice this mudra as often and as long as you'd like.  Or to treat a specific malady of the throat practice this 3 times daily for 15 minutes.

8.12.15

ganesha mudra

Happy World Elephant Day!  In honor of our tusked friends the mudra for today will be the Ganesha Mudra.  Ganesha the elephant-headed god is one of the most beloved and worshiped gods in the Hindu culture.  He is the placer and remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom, science, and learning.

To take this mudra bring the left hand up to chest height (in front of the heart) and turn the palm out.  Bend the fingers.  Lift the right hand up palm face in, bend the fingers and hook them onto the bent fingers of the left hand creating a lock.  Inhale and as you exhale pull each hand away while maintaining the lock of the fingers. Inhale and relax the grip, chest and shoulders but keep the mudra intact.  Repeat this with the breath 6 times.  Then switch the grip so that the right palm faces out the left faces in, and practice 6 times with the breath, on the other side.

This mudra stimulates and strengthens the heart.  It strengthens and releases tension from the neck, shoulders and chest.  It opens the bronchial tubes, aiding in the release of any blockages there.  It stokes the fire of courage and confidence and bestows strength on it's practitioner.  Jai Ganesh!

6.29.15

prithvi mudra

Prithvi mudra increases the element of earth in the body.  this mudra invigorates the tissues of the body; bones, cartilage, skin, hair, nails, muscles, tendons, etc.  It increases vitality, strength and physical well-being.  It can help with chronic fatigue, weight-loss, osteoporosis, cartilage degeneration, week muscles, skin disorders, brittle nails, thinning hair, hyperthyroidism and more.  It can lead to feelings of well-being and physical radiance reducing all physical weaknesses.

To manifest this mudra gently press the tip of the ring finger into the thumb.  All other fingers extend.  Practice for up to 30 minutes.  Namaste bitches, xx.

6.22.15

 

surya mudra

In honor of the summer solstice yesterday, the longest day of the year, today's mudra will be Surya Mudra, named after the sun god Surya.  As you may expect, it increases the fire element in the body; aiding with digestion, speeding metabolism, strengthening vision, increasing appetite, and warming the body.  

To manifest Surya Mudra, press the tip of the ring finger into the base of the thumb, then apply gentle pressure of the thumb on the length of the bent ring finger.  All other fingers extend.  Practice for for around 30 minutes.  Namaste btiches, xx.

6.7.15

Pran Mudra

Julia and I had our Ayurvedic practicum yesterday during teacher training.  It was awesome for so many reasons and alot of fun.  We presented a practice to balance all three doshas.  We began with Pitta balancing and opened the practice with this mudra which decreases Pitta and increases Kapha in the body. In addition:

Pran Murdra stimulates the root chakra, giving you support and increasing your vitality so that you can expand upward and outward, radiating energy through the other chakras and the nervous system.  It is called the Mudra of Life; the energy and vitality that it unlocks empowers our life from the inside out.  

It can battle fatigue and nervousness in the body and improves vision.  It is emotionally stabilizing and powerful, aiding in self-confidence and courage.  

To manifest this mudra gently place the thumb against the tip of the pinky and ring finger, leaving the pointer and middle finger extended.  Practice this mudra from 5 - 30 minutes 1-3 times a day.

5.19.15

varuna mudra

This mudra affects the "jal" or water in the body and is known as the water mudra, Jal-vardhak mudra (which seemed appropriate today as we enter another flood watch).  This mudra is expressed by gently pressing the tip of the little finger against the thumb while keeping the ring, middle and pointer fingers extended together. In yogic view the little finger represents the element of water.  Performing Varun mudra increases the water content of the body by affecting and aiding the water metabolism.  It helps to rehydrate cells, tissues, muscles, fascia, skin, connective tissue, etc.  

In Ayurveda water is a component of Kapha + Pitta.  This mudra can be beneficial to balance Vata but those with excessive Kapha + Pitta should only practice it moderately.

In addition to helping with a variety of moisture depletion related ailments in the body (cramps, indigestion, constipation, joint degeneration) this mudra helps the unconscious become conscious.  Practice for a duration of 15 - 45 minutes.  Namaste bitches, xx.

2.1.15

abhaya mudra

lately i was re-inspired to manifest and photograph some of the mudras.  since recently learning about the goddess buvaneshwari in my training i have fallen in love with abhaya mudra, or fearlessness gesture. this ancient mudra represents fearlessness, protection, friendship, peace and dispelling fear.  the bent right arm with an open palm held at shoulder height displays an absence of weapons and aggression.  this gesture is the spontaneous expression that manifests with enlightenment and it holds space for creativity.  give it a try! namaste bitches, xx.