What is a mudra?

A mudra a gesture. I used to think that mudras were just hand gestures but there are eye positions, body poses and breathing techniques which are also called mudras. However, I'm only explaining hand mudras, cause I really, really love hand mudras and I find them fascinating! 

Hands mudras are symbolic finger positionings that help to shift the thought processes in the mind and body and connect to a different level of consciousness. They do this by having certain aims and affects to different areas of the body and the mind. For examplé:

Chin Mudra 

The Chin hand Mudra 

The Chin Mudra is definitely the most famous hand gesture of them all. Ask someone to sit and look like they're meditating and they'll probably pull out a chin mudra! This hand position  brings clarity to the mind. The three extended fingers symbolise the traits of evolution: lethargy, activity, balance and harmony. The enclosed circle of the first finger and thumb indicate the goal of yoga- to unite your soul and the soul of the the world. Now isn't that really lovely? 

Mudras can become very gratifying when practiced regularly. Their powers start to show a little more each time you use them. Mudras can be practiced with visualisations and affrimations but I think as a beginner it's more beneficial to use them by themselves and only focus on the goodness in your hands. 

So, if you fancy trying the Chin Mudra out, find a comfy place to sit where you won't be disturbed and your feet can touch the ground (having the feet on the floor connects you to the  Earth and gets the yogic juices flowing.) Place the first fingers and thumbs together and straighten the other three outwards. Pop your palms facing downwards (having the palm upwards is a slightly different mudra) onto your thighs or knees and breath. Sit and breath in the peace and quiet and feel the power of your breath and how you are completely connected to the world. Don't be frightened if you start to feel silly or overwhelmed, breath for a few minutes and test it out. Give yourself time to adjust to mudras. Some people (including myself) are very susceptible to them. They all do different things so try a few out in a week and let yourself fall in love with them! 

Have fun, smile and breath!