Guided breath and meditation practices on Earth Star Shambala
I was inspired by the hours of movement, breath and meditation classes that I have given over the years, to finally help more people have access to their power. Please meet Earth Star Shambala, my new guided practices channel on Spotify!
On Earth Star Shambala, you’ll find guided meditation and breathing practices, both in English and in French. Each practice lasts from a few minutes to maximum of 15mn. To help get into the mood, I create most practices to be guided to the sound of music, such as Balanced Breath (a pranayama practice), or Vibrant Flower Meditation.
Here’s the channel on Spotify, and you’ll also find it on Youtube, Deezer, Apple Music (see links below) and most music distributors.
Listen to Earth Star Shambala on Apple Music and Deezer
The vision I received for the name Earth Star Shambala was this: a luminous seed falling from the nightsky and landing in the middle of a forest clearing, creating a light bridge between the warm moist Earth and the big starry sky above. The feeling is belonging and connection. The seed is being home. Earth Star.
As for Shambala, it is the name of a mythical or elusive spiritual land said to be somewhere in the Tibetan Himalayas, or somewhere between Asia and Europe. Part fairyland and utopia, part real, it represents peace, happiness and enlightenment. Why does this mysterious land mean something to me? I had the great chance of traveling to Tibet many years ago, and although it was not a religious pilgrimage or a spiritually-led journey, the land, people, sounds and art all left a deep imprint in me. This journey kicked off a more scholarly research for me, on Bön (Tibet’s indigenous religion), Himalayan culture, art and Buddhism.
Through Earth Star Shamabala, I’m inviting you to explore short guided breath and meditation practices. I design them to bring a bit more light to your body and mind, a bit more relaxation to your day, and to make practicing easy and effective.
I hope you enjoy the guided practices on Earth Star Shambala! Let me know how it goes on IG with #yesyoga_sophie
The Gayatri Mantra is one of the most well-known and chanted mantras in the Vedic tradition. It is most often invoked at sunrise or sunset, in honor of the Sun and light. What does the Gayatri Mantra mean? Why do we chant it in yoga and meditation classes?
My very first long mantra
The Gayatri Mantra is one of the first “long” mantras I learned – that is, a mantra with more than a couple of syllables! – along with the invocation to Patanjali at the opening of Iyengar yoga classes.
I was captivated by the mantra’s rhythm and accessibility. There are no long tongue-twisting Sanskrit words in her 4 short verses . And also, the literal meaning – a prayer to the divine and to the light – seemed within my reach.
Today, decades later (yes, a drop in the ocean on the scale of this mantra!), the Gayatri Mantra remains one of my favorites. Maybe for the same reasons. And maybe also because the more I sit with her, the more I fall in love.
So, let’s dive into the Gayatri, and maybe by the end you’ll be chanting this mantra as much as I did while writing!
Meet the Gayatri Mantra
Let’s start with… the mantra herself! Beyond the meaning, just the vibrations of Sanskrit syllables are the best introduction.
The Gayatri Mantra
Here is help for the pronounciation:
om bhoor bhoova svaha
tat saveetoor vareyniyam
bhargo deyvasiya dhimahee
deeyo yo na prachodayat
There are many ways to invoke this mantra: by chanting, by repeating at different rhythms, in song. And you’ll hear different versions whether you are at the temple in different parts of India, Bali or the West, in yoga classes, at kirtans, in music…
Here are two recordings (by moi), the second is more chanted than the first. Enjoy!
Gayatri Mantra Invocation
Gayatri Mantra Chant
The Gayatri Mantra, the mother of all mantras
The Gayatri Mantra appears for the first time in the Rig Veda, one of the oldest texts dating back to the Vedic period in India (from -1500 to -500). The mantra is so important that she is considered a goddess: the goddess Gayatri or Gayatri Devi!
The Gayatri contains 24 bija syllables – the seed syllables. Just as plant seeds contain all the genetic information and energy to start their lives, these seed syllables are the essence of all creation.
The 24 syllables do not include the first line “Om Bhur Bhuva Svaha”. This verse is an opening, introduced by Om (= the primordial sound, the Universe), and an invocation to the 3 vyahrtis, or planesof existence:
Bhur = Earth (physical life), existence, past
Bhuva = Space, consciousness, the present
Svaha = Heaven, Beatitude, the Future
Then comes the mantra herself.
The meaning of the Gayatri Mantra
There are many translations of this mantra.
All of them sing the glory of the Sun, the Creation, the One. And all of them also invite her light to cover us with blessings.
Here is the first translation I learned in Sivananda yoga class:
Om, Let us meditate on Isvara (or Savitri) and His Glory who has created the Universe, who is fit to be worshipped, who is the remover of all sins and ignorance. May he enlighten our intellect.
Swami Sivananda
I learned this version during my initial 200H yoga teacher training:
Om, Earth, Mid-heaven, Heaven,
Let us meditate on that most
Excellent light of divine Sun,
That it may illuminate our minds.
YogaWorks
And here is my own version (mixed myself so definitely non-literal!) that speaks to me personally:
Om, Earth, Ether, Heaven,
Let us meditate on the light of the Sun, the divine Force that gives life,
May her radiance bless us.
A mantra in honor of the sun
The Gayatri Mantra is also called Savitri Mantra, in honor of Savitri, the Sun god, found in the word “Savitur”.
The Sun, creative force, giver or mother of all life.
To be more precise, Savitri is the Sun at dawn, hence the power of this mantra invoked at sunrise. The rest of the day, the Sun is Surya! Surya as in the Surya Namaskar, the Sun Salutations.
How to use the Gayatri Mantra in yoga practice?
Traditionally, this mantra is invoked at dawn.
Some will suggest you get up at 4 a.m. to sing the glory of the Sun! Others suggest invoking the mantra at daybreak. It is a very powerful practice! I invite you to try, even just for a day.
Of course such timings may not work for everyone. So here are a few great options to make the Gayatri Mantra part of your daily practice: when you wake up, when you see the sun for the first time, at noon, or at sunset.
Or simply when you sit in the sun!
You can chant it out loud or repeat it internally. How many times should you repeat the Gayatri Mantra? Once, a couple of time, a dozen or even 108 times with a mala! The only invitation is to chant with all your heart.
The Gayatri Mantra connects us to the light, to the energy at the source of life. She reminds us that day always comes back after night. And She invites us to honor the light within and around us.
That is it for this introduction to the magic of the Gayatri Mantra!
May it invite you to which dive into your practice with curiosity and devotion!
Om Om Om!
Translations of the words of the Gayatri Mantra:
Here are simple translations of the words. Again, my notions of Sanskrit are limited to my yoga practice, mantras and related text readings. If you are a Sanskrit specialist, and if you think a translation deserves more details, let me know!
Om = primordial sound.
Bhur = Earth (physical life), existence, past
Bhuva = Space, consciousness, the present
Svaha = Heaven, Bliss, the Future
Tat = this, the Supreme Divine Being
Savitur = the Sun God or Protector
Varenyam = most loved
Bhargo = bright, luminous
Devasya = deity
Dimahi = meditate
Dhiyoh = the spirit
Yo nah = realization of unity
Prachodhayat = to be enlightened.
The Gayatri Mantra
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Do you make a circle with your thumb and index finger when you meditate? That is Gyan (or Jñana) Mudra! What does it mean? And how can this mudra help?
Gyan Mudra, the Mudra of Wisdom
“Gyan” or “Jñana” is a Sanskrit word meaning “knowledge, wisdom”. A mudra is a symbolic or ritual hand gesture.
Hence, Gyan Mudra is known as the “Knowledge or Wisdom Mudra”.
When placing hands on the thighs or knees, this mudra can be done either with palms facing up, or palms facing down.
When palms face down, it is often also called Chin Mudra, the Mudra of Consciousness. And when palms face up, it is called Gyan Mudra.
(Note: There are different variations around the names of Gyan (or Jñana) and Chin Mudras. Some teachers call it Gyan Mudra when your palms are up, others when they are down. Some speak of Chin Mudra when the palms are up and Gyan when they are down. For this article I based the info on Indu Arora’s extensive work on mudras, in which Gyan Mudra = Palms up and Chin Mudra = Palms down). Just know you’ll find the same mudra called differently).
How to do Gyan Mudra?
Make a circle with the tips of your thumb and forefinger touching. Soften the other fingers.
When to use Gyan Mudra?
A mudra for better concentration, and –say the sages- to get a step closer to wisdom!
So get your Gyan Mudra on in meditation and in pranayama practice!
A mudra : for a sharper mind and better focus (hint : Great for Studying!)
Besides meditation and pranayama, Gyan Mudra helps concentrate when learning / studying, and when taking an exam (pen in one hand, mudra in the other!).
I remember learning this mudra when I was in elementary school, and doing it to study for assessments (it wasn’t as convenient for piano lessons)! Then, by the time I was in high school and university, I no longer practiced this mudra for exam cramming. Sigh! Maybe a more regular practice would have saved me long evenings in front of my books!
In yoga, Gyan Mudra (Wisdom) or Chin Mudra (Consciousness) are most often done sitting, for meditation or pranayama.
For example, you can place your hands on your thighs, in Sukhasana (sitting cross-legged), in Virasana (Hero’s Pose), in Padmasana (Lotus Pose)… Many yogis also do this mudra in more active postures, like Vrksasana (pronounced “Vrikshasana”), Tree Pose, or any other pose where the hands are free!
What does Gyan Mudra mean?
It symbolizes the Connection to the Universe
In Ayurveda, the Thumb represents the element Fire (Agni), and the index finger symbolizes Air (Vayu). In this mudra, you connect the thumb and index, meaning your are connecting the elements Fire and Air. From an Ayurvedic point of view, this mudra increases the element Air in the body. Air, or Vayu, is associated with the functions of the nervous system and the brain (among others things). This explains the effect of this mudra on concentration and relaxation.
The index is also associated with the Ego, the Individual Self or Individual Consciousness. The thumb is associated with the Universal Self or Universal Consciousness, with the Universe.
With this mudra, we are connecting our Individual Self to our greater Self and the Universe that is greater than us.
Well, that’s quite a feast! Rock your Gyan Mudra and become the entire Cosmos! WOOT!
For more on mudras and meditation
More on mudras and the elements (Fire, Air, Water, etc.) associated with the fingers, check out: What is a mudra?
Info on mudras in meditation, pranayama and asana and how to use them to deepen your yoga practice, see How to use mudras? (coming up – Read it in French!)
And here are some other mudras to inspire your hands, body and soul!
Vishnu Mudra, the Mudra for Alternate Nostril Breathing (coming up)
Chakras and Colors: each chakra is associated to a specific color. There’s Red for Muladhara Chakra, Green for Anahata Chakra, etc. And we seldom even wonder where these colors come from in the first place! So why are chakras and colors paired up? Is there any historical significance of the chakra colors? We’ll delve into this chakra question, rainbow-side!
What is a chakra?
Let’s have a quick chakra review to start!
Chakras are the body’s energy centers. “Chakra” comes from Sanskrit and it means “wheel, vortex”. Chakras lie within the body, or close enough, within our body’s energy field.
Most spiritual schools and traditions talk about 4 to 7 main chakras (and up to a thousand secondary ones!!).
In this article, we’ll be talking about the 7 main in-body chakras. These chakras align along the axis of the spinal column, from the tail bone all the way to the crown of the head. Each chakra is often associated to a specific color.
7 main in-body chakras and their associated colors
Associations of the 7 Chakras and colors
Muladhara – Root Chakra, RED
Svadhisthana – Sacral Chakra, ORANGE
Manipura – Solar Plexus Chakra, YELLOW
Anahata – Heart Chakra, GREEN or PINK (as the mix of Red –from Muladhara Chakra, and White –from Sahasrara Chakra)
Vishuddha – Throat Chakra, BLUE
Ajña Chakra – 3rd Eye, PURPLE (or deep blue)
Sahasrara – Crown Chakra, WHITE (or Purple, or Violet)
We see these color/chakra associations so often –in yoga, meditation, energy work, even in home decoration, we barely ever question it!
Are Chakras traditionally paired up with colors?
Well, actually : no!
The Vedas, India’s ancient scriptures, mention the chakras, as do ancient Buddhist or Jain texts. Also, old illustrations of the chakras show divinities, mantras and shapes (circles, squares, lotus…) associated with the chakras, but mostly no specific colors.
However, according to certain Tantric texts, the Chakra colors are linked to the 5 elements. We find:
Muladhara (Root Chakra) – Earth / Yellow
Svadisthana (Sacrak Chakra) – Water / Light Blue or silver,
Manipura (Solar Plexus Chakra) – Fire/ Red,
Anahata (Heart Chakra) – Air / Green,
Visuddha (Throat Chakra) / Ajña (3rd eye) and Sahasrara (Crown) – Ether / Indigo Blue / Colorless
(thank you to Zoila of Zazenda Yoga Retreat for sharing her knowledge and studies of the Tantra Chakra system)
CHAKRAS – from Sapta Chakra collection of images, 19th Century / British Library / Wikimedia Commons, Wikipedia
Contemporary Chakra system and rainbow colors
It wasn’t until the 1970s that the idea of chakras paired up with colors came to be! Spiritual author Christopher Hill wrote about the chakras associated to rainbow colors in his book called “Nuclear Evolution: Discovery of the Rainbow Body”. And from there, the rainbow chakras were born!
The rainbow contains ALL the colors in the visible spectrum of electromagnetic radiation. (The entire spectrum covers U.V light, radio frequencies and even those used by your microwave oven).
Basically, color is energy vibrating at a frequency that we CAN SEE. So it’s kind of cool to associate the idea of energy centers with the energy of colors. I find colors make working with the Chakras visual, accessible and down-to-earth.
Are the Chakra colors fake and is using Chakra colors wrong?
I don’t think so. Just like everything else in this world, the perceptions of chakras and ways of working with them have evolved. They have adapted to different cultures, different times and different needs. Humanity is constantly evolving, and to me, spiritual techniques and technologies also evolve. We welcome the rainbow chakra system!
I personally don’t see the chakras as colors, but I perceive them as moving balls of energy, and I’ll sense the stickiness or fluidity of the energy flow. I sense them more like fields of energy and not so much as seeing through funky color tinted lenses. And that’s me! Each person will see and feel chakras differently. If you are seeing colorful chakras, that’s the way it works for you!
Plus, I do love a good rainbow, in the sky or on puffy stickers. So, inviting a rainbow into my chakras? Yes please!
Chakras and the Rainbow Body – artwork by Lilly Cantabile
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108 beads on your Mala, 108 Sun Salutations, chanting OM 108 times… What does the number 108 have to do in all this? Magic? Mathematics? Sacred number? The mysteries of 108!
108 beads on my Mala
What is a Mala?
“Mala” means “garland” in Sanskrit.
Malas are Hindu or Buddhist prayer beads, or “rosaries”. Malas are used to recite mantras and prayers : touch a bead, say your mantra, then touch another.
Long malas have 108 beads, with an additional head bead or guru bead, most often a bigger or different bead.
But why 108 beads? Let’s get to know more about 108:
108 Disciples, 108 sacred texts
In Hinduism, Shiva and Krishna are known to have 108 assistants each. There also are 108 Upanishads or Vedanta, sacred texts from the Vedas. (note however that some sources say there are over 200 Upanishads, that’s more than our number 108!).
In Buddhism, 108 turns up as 108 sacred texts, as well as 108 kleshas, the “afflictions” or mental states that are at the root of all suffering (think: ignorance, jealousy, anger … and list 108!). Some schools also count 108 temptations to turn your back on in order to reach Nirvana.
Yep, these are pretty good reasons to have 108 beads on your mala!
108 in the stars
Sky side, we find 108 too.
Astrologers talk about the 12 houses of the zodiac, and 9 planets – including Pluto, like astrologers do! My complex scientific calculation tell me that 12 x 9 = 108.
And, this is one of my favorite 108 facts: the distance from the Sun to the Earth = 108 times the diameter of the Sun, and the distance from the Moon to the Earth = 108 times the diameter of the Moon. (approximately!)
I’m a fan of 108, are you? I’m up for 108 Sun Salutations now!
Express the depth of your ideas and emotions, flow as you speak in public, and get clear about your path. Give YOUR VOICE some oomph with the Mantra HAM!
YOUR VOICE AND THE THROAT CHAKRA
The Throat Chakra, or 5th Chakra is called Vishuddha. In Sanskrit Vishuddha means “pure, purifying”.
The Throat Chakra is located between the Heart Chakra (the 4th, Anahata Chakra), and the 3rd Eye Chakra (the 6th Chakra, Ajna Chakra). Vishuddha links your heart to your head!
More on Chakras here
The Voice is associated with the Throat Chakra. We use our voices to communicate and to express ourselves. A balanced Throat Chakra allows us to express ourselves clearly and with compassion. We give voice to our ideas, our creativity, our needs, our emotions, our decisions. And we also listen with the same compassion!
Our Voice is a powerful way to bring us out into the world.
When Vishuddha is in harmony, the connection between your thinking head and your feeling heart is fluid. You feel connected to yourself and connected to others.
Here’s a simple Throat Chakra balancing exercise. Try it before teaching a class, to prepare for public speaking, or to build confidence in your voice and your place in this world every day.
EXERCICE: BALANCE YOUR THROAT CHAKRA WITH YOUR VOICE
The Throat Chakra’s elements are ether and sound. For today’s Chakra harmonizing exercise, you’ll just need your… voice!
We’ll use the Throat Chakra’s Bija Mantra, HAM.
The musical note corresponding to Vishuddha is usually G (So). But go ahead and try different notes and see which works best for you.
(HAM’s “A” is pronounced as in “arm”, not as in “green eggs and ham, Sam I am“)!
How to : Throat Chakra Meditation with the Mantra HAM:
1. Sit comfortably, or lie down if you prefer.
2. Take a few deep breaths to center. Close your eyes if you want.
3. Inhale and chant the Bija Mantra HAM: “HAAAMMM”
4. Let the vibration of the Mantra HAM resonate in your throat, and surround you.
5. Inhale and start again! Chant HAM for as many or as few breaths as you wish!
6. When you are done, resume regular breathing.
7. Gently open your eyes!
How do you feel ? Ready to speak with your true voice!
Find your Voice and your path with the mantra HAM!
Solstice falls December 21st (or 22nd) ! To honor the Winter Solstice, the darkest day of the year in the northern hemisphere, here’s a solstice-special guided meditation for you. We’ll meditate on inner light, YOUR inner light!
And if under your skies, it’s the Summer Solstice, enjoy! And read on to meditate on your inner Sun!
EMBRACE SHADOW AND LIGHT ON THE WINTER SOLSTICE
In the northern hemisphere, the winter solstice on Dec 21-22 is the shortest day of the year. The sun rises late and sets early. The nigh is long!
Winter Solstice also marks the time when days start to get longer. Only a teeny bit longer, yes, but every day brings a teeny bit more light. Yay!
So is winter solstice a festival of Shadow or a festival of Light? Well, Shadow always comes with Light, and Light always with Shadow. We’ll honor both!
Today we’ll do a 5 minute guided video meditation. We’ll dive into the silence of the night to meet the light: YOUR inner light. Just like a great fire heats and illuminates the dark cold winter, go to meet your deepest and brightest light!
MEDITATION FOR THE WINTER SOLSTICE
Get Comfy and ready for a sweet 5 minute Winter Solstice Meditation. Greet your Light!
WHAT IF IT’S THE SUMMER SOLSTICE ?
Wonderful! Celebrate the Summer Solstice with the same meditation! Think summer instead of winter, and honor the great fire, our Sun, that is alive in your inner light! Oh YES!
Namaste! (which means “the light in me greets the light in you.” Very appropriate for the Solstice! More on Namaste to be translated soon)
The Holidays are here soon! For a peaceful holiday season, try this great Finger Meditation for all ages. Spread the joy: share with Grandma, your uncle, your sweetheart and all the little elves in your life!
LIVE THE HOLIDAYS WITH SERENITY
Yes, it’s that time of the year : sharing, gifting and spending time with family and friends. And if the Holiday season also means stress and anxiety for you, that’s normal too!
To live the best of the Holiday season, make sure you make time for self-care! Make a little time each day just for you. Sit quietly for a few minutes in your bed before getting up, take a walk outside before you cook, plan to go to a yoga class after gift shopping … One word: Time for You!
Here is a beautifully simple meditation : Finger Meditation! Fit it into your day –once, twice (or 3 or 4 times!). And share the joy: show the Finger Meditation to the people around you, young and ahem… younger.
It’s simple and sweet: all you need to do is count on your fingers! My 2 year-old yogini is learning to count, and loves this.
Finger Meditation’s long and deep breaths help calm the nervous system. Perfect to keep you in balance this crazy busy Holiday Season!
HOW TO DO FINGER MEDITATION?
Ready to count yourself to the clouds of your inner landscape?
Here we go!
How to Finger Meditate?
Finger Meditation is as easy as 1-2-3!
– Sit comfortably, or lie down.
– Take a few deep breaths to center yourself.
– Make a gentle fist with your hand, and exhale.
– Inhale and count 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 as you unfurl your fingers.
– Exhale and count as you fold your fingers back into a fist: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
– Easy peasy! Keep it up!
– When you are ready to stop, take a few deep breaths.
– Open your eyes !
Finger Meditation is a gorgeous variation of Sama Vrtti Pranayama, Rhythmic Breath. I love this Finger Meditation. It is more tactile than the classic version (in which you count in your head), and kids (and adults newer to Pranayama and Meditation) love it!
THIS IS IT. You’ve made up your mind: you are going to start your meditation practice and stick to it.
Yay!!
And then as you settle down, your back becomes achy, your toes suddenly itch and your mind is going on (and on) about its own life. Can’t they just let you meditate??
Well, here’s the news: every meditator has gone through the itchy foot, the crampy back and the monkey mind!
And here are my top 6 tips to kick start your meditation practice once and for all. See you in the clouds!
1. Meditation 101: Start short
And when I say short, I mean SHORT.
As short as a few deep breaths, 1 minute, 2 minutes, 5 minutes … Start with a duration that seems POSSIBLE.
No point striving for 20mn in full silence if it’s your first time and your speeding mind is like a hamster on a treadmill.
2. Meditation 101: Enjoy the Journey!
Meditation is a journey: we enjoy the route too, not only the destination.
You may not reach Nirvana in this life, but you can certainly enjoy the benefits of meditation every day!
3. Meditation 101: You can’t “meditate wrong”
Sometimes it’s tough to meditate. And sometimes slipping into a meditative state is so simple and yummy. That’s the way meditation is. Even if you feel like you’re not doing it, it’s impossible to go wrong in meditation. You learn about yourself and renew body and soul during EVERY meditation. Keep it up!
4.Meditation 101: Find your style
Silent meditation, breath-based meditation, mantra meditation, meditations with songs, the sounds of nature, or soft music. Meditation techniques are infinite and each person has his/her preferences.
Some days I’m totally into chanting mantras, and others I prefer to sit in silence. And I love going to a sound meditation class, with singing bowls, gongs and other sound therapy instruments. Try different meditation techniques and have fun!
5. Meditation 101: cOMFORT FIRST
Your favorite meditation seat is Lotus Pose (Padmasana)? That’s great! If you’d rather lie down with a cushion under your knees or sit in a chair, that’s great too!
Remember, it is impossible to “meditate wrong”: there is no “right” way to sit in meditation, only the RIGHT way for YOU.
6. MEDITATION 101: Create a routine
Make meditation part of your daily routine! That’s one of the best ways to make sure you’ll keep at it!
Find the time of day it’s most convenient: in the morning before everyone else gets up, right after your shower, in the evening as the sun goes down… Routine will make you more likely to practice meditation daily. I think (and many meditation practitioners will tell you): you’ll reap more benefits if you meditate 15 minutes every day than 1 hour a week.
So settle down, breathe in, breath out and … off you go to Meditation Land!
When you place your hands together at your heart in yoga or meditation, you’re doing a mudra! What exactly is a mudra? And why practice mudras in yoga?
MUDRAS ARE HAND YOGA!
Mudra is a Sanskrit word meaning “sign” or “seal”. It is a symbolic or ritual gesture that is most often done with the hands. There are mudras in classical Indian and Southeast Asian dances, in religious art and … in yoga and meditation!
The mudras are hand asanas. Yup, yoga postures especially for hands and fingers!
There are many mudras. Some sources say there are more than a hundred, others say several dozens (if you count them all keep me updated!).
Each mudra is codified. Each has a meaning and a precise effect on the body and mind.
MUDRAS AFFECT BODY AND MIND
The human body has 7 main chakras.
In addition to these come many secondary chakras. Two of these secondary chakras are in the palms of your hands. You have energy centers right there in your palms! Isn’t that cool?
Also, the hands and fingers contain many nerve endings and acupuncture points. Traditional Chinese Medicine meridians such as the Heart Meridian, Pericardium Meridian or Small Intestine Meridian, also run through the hands. You literally are holding your health in your hands!
MUDRAS AND FINGER MEANINGS
In many traditions in Asia but also elsewhere, the fingers are associated with the elements (Fire, Water etc), or the planets.
Here are the most common associations in the practice of mudras: The Thumb is Agni, FIRE The Index is Vayu, AIR The Middle Finger is Akasha, ETHER, the Universe The Ring finger is Prithvi, EARTH The Little finger is Jala, WATER.
Of course, you’ll find variations of these associations, in Kundalini Yoga for example. I believe each person feels things differently, no matter what tradition they follow. My invitation to you: discover your way!
What happens when we place certain fingers together in a mudra? Well, we activate the body’s energy channels and connect to the natural elements (Earth, Fire, etc).
Mudras move energy around, and before you know it, “stuff’s happening” in your body and mind!
More on mudras? Check out :
– How to use mudras?
– Padma Mudra, Abhaya Mudra and Energy in your hands with a Ball of Chi! Yes Yes Yes !
