Using Mudras in Meditation

What is a mudra? And more importantly, what's so great about them? 

Mudras are different hand positions that can be used during meditation. Mudra means 'seal' in Sanskrit. So you are essentially creating a seal while meditating. 

But are hand symbols really that powerful? Well, consider this; we often use hand signals in our daily life. We give people the "thumbs up" sign. We give people the "middle finger" when we're angry. We even may put our palm up to say "speak to the hand!" So, yeah, hand symbols have meaning! 

When we use mudras in meditation we allow the energy to be a more complete circuit. We are able to basically speak with our hands that which we are meditating on or manifesting. Mudras have been used for thousands of years for healing to help spiritual people who practice certain Indian traditions. They represent an outward presentation of your inward desires and intentions while meditating.

There are MANY mudras to use; some being super simple and probably well known to many people; and others which are far more complex. We'll go through some of the more simple, yet powerful, healing mudras in this post. Hopefully, that will peak your interest and encourage you to research mudras that may be specific for your issue!

The laughter mudra is used for prosperity and wisdom. This can bring a feeling of completion and joy. This is also called the Hansi Mudra. 

The Joint Mudra can be used to alleviate some joint pain as its name suggests. This can help with arthritic pains to knees, shoulders, fingers and more. It can decrease stiffness and allow for ease of movement. "To do Joint mudra you need to connect thumb and ring finger of your right hand (form Prithvi mudra); and thumb and middle finger of your left hand (form Akash mudra)." joint mudra

The Rudra Mudra is good for when you're feeling worn out, exhausted, weak and fatigued. This mudra is very powerful and named after Shiva, the Hindu God. It can help with lowering blood pressure and even over-eating. When you're stressed, this is the go-to mudra!

The Kalesvara Mudra is the one to use to help in your recovery process from addictions. This mudra is one that encourages change. It can help with most addictions and negative habits. This one is easy to remember because it looks like a heart. Reminding us to love ourselves in spite of our addictions and bad habits. 

Surya Mudra is one that is used for weight loss. It increases the fire element in the body and allows for increased metabolism. 

Mudras should be done using both hands. They should also be done on a regular basis. Sometimes several times each day for short periods of time each session. Starting with twice a day for 10-15 minutes should allow you to begin to notice the effects as you work up to longer sessions. 

Have you incorporated mudras into your meditation or yoga practices? Have you noticed results? What are some other mudras that you find useful? Please share in the comments below! I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Parvati ~ Hindu Goddess

So, I wanted to share a bit about a Hindu Goddess that I've been introduced to recently. Most of us know that there are so many gods and goddesses in the Hindu faith; and some are more well known than others of course. Parvati is one that I wasn't very familiar with before... and now that I am I thought it best to share some knowledge! 

Parvati is a Hindu goddess of fertility and divine strength and power. She is actually an aspect of Shakti in that she is the gentle and nurturing part. Her husband was Shiva and more importantly to me, one of her children is Ganesha, a deity that I work with. (Ganesha has the head of an elephant).  Parvati is said to be the supreme power of the universe. Parvati is shown with her hands in the form of a mudra that signifies FEARLESSNESS. This is the quality that I aspire to take on! Do you have one of these necklaces? And if you do, did you know the meaning behind it?

I share some qualities with Parvati in that I too am nurturing; as most mothers are; particularly to my children. In the Hindu stories, Ganesha’s mother ordered that he be given a new head when his was chopped off by Shiva. She would not let her son die. Parvati is nourishing and protective. She blocked her husband (Shiva’s) throat so that poison could not be swallowed, showing her devotion to her family and those she loves and holds dear. She knows no limits when she is reaching for her goal. She doesn’t let anything stand in her way; thus the fearlessness. 

Shakti is the pure, untamed energy that flows. It is the female principle of divine energy and this energy is manifested in several Hindu goddesses. Shakti is like the “mother of all goddesses”.  Parvati represents one aspect of that energy in its nurturing and giving form. 

What aspects of Parvati resonate with you? How are you manifesting those qualities in your day to day life?