In yoga and meditation we use different tools to help us set intentions and take our focus inwards. Yoga mudras (hand gestures) are one of the ways of doing this. With each one having a different meaning and use, we’re able to use the mudras to further our practice, taking it deeper into the mind and soul, as well as just the body.
There are many different yoga mudras, so I’ve selected three of my favourites to share with you in this blog post. Namaste mudra, Kali mudra and Padma mudra are my chosen mudras because they are the ones I use a lot.
NAMASTE MUDRA
‘Namaste’ is a greeting and offering of respect. It means to bow to another being, sometimes being translated as “the light & love in me, respects and honours the light & love in you”… but that’s more of an embellished yoga teacher translation. 😉 It’s not wrong though. Namaste mudra (also known as anjali mudra) offers a physical gesture of union. You’ll have noticed that Namaste is said with a bow of the head at the end of a yoga class, as a way to acknowledge everyone in the room, but I also like to use this mudra throughout the practice, as it really helps to feel the prana (energy) coming together. With the palms connected at hearts centre you can feel the force of both sides of the body coming together, helping to find focus and balance.
KALI MUDRA
Kali mudra, named after the fierce goddess Durga, is my favourite mudra to use within my asana practice. Using this mudra, connecting the index fingers and crossing the thumbs, we’re able to channel the energy within the body wherever we want it to go. Kali mudra is empowering, it’s strong and it’s forceful, allowing us to move into our truth and cultivate courage within. This mudra is used to destroy negative energy, so if you’re feeling a little swamped with anxiety and negative thoughts, add this to your practice and walk away from your mat feeling energised and lifted. You can also use this mudra in pranayama work and meditation.
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PADMA MUDRA
Padma mudra aka lotus flower mudra, is one of beauty. The lotus flower mudra represents the heart opening, just like the flower in real life, it opens on the surface of the water, whilst being drawn to the light from its roots connected deep down below. I use this mudra in a lot of my meditations, helping me to feel grounded while I can grow tall to the sky and spread my wings. The lotus flower mudra gives me a sense of confidence, feeling connected to my roots, whilst awakening my heart felt desires and it helps to remind us that we possess a beautiful soul. We just need to let it grow, open and shine.
What yoga mudras do you use in your practice?
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Love, Cat x