Mudra Monday: Pran Mudra

The card for this mudra says it is the mudra of life and stability. It says this mudra strengthens the eyes and brings inner peace, stamina, and confidence.

Mudra Monday: Mystery Mudra

I don't know what mudra this is. This is another mudra that I find myself doing a lot, especially when I'm tired. I have seen it on a couple of websites, but I haven't been able to find out what it symbolizes. It is comforting, kind of like sucking my thumb.

Mudra Monday

I am very interested in mudras--symbolic hand gestures. I bought a set of cards that has a different yoga mudra on each one. This is the courage mudra. I often look down and notice that my hands are curled up in this position. I find it very comforting, which makes sense because it is an anti-panic mudra. I thought that maybe there was some kind of trigger point on my fingers, but I've looked at all sorts of acupuncture maps, and I really haven't found anything.

Kirtan Kriya

One of the last times I was at yoga--which sadly, was a long time ago--Nancy introduced us to the Kirtan Kriya. She's been reading books by Dr. Daniel Amen. Dr. Amen recommends the Kirtan Kriya in his book Making a Good Brain Great. The Kirtan Kriya is a Kundalini yoga meditation that combines mantras (words) and mudras (hand positions.)

I'm not good at meditation. My mind wanders, and usually it wanders in a negative downward spiral. I think the combination of mantra and mudra works for me. I was able to concentrate on that and not get lost in negative or random thoughts.

To practice the Kirtan Kriya touch each of the fingers consecutively to the thumb while saying the matching word--as shown below. Envision the sound coming down through the top of your head and out through your third eye. Repeat starting with the pointer finger. When you are done open the hands and say Aaaah. Detailed instructions for the 12 minute version are available here.

The sounds are based on the five primal sounds. Saa means birth or infinity, Taa means life, Naa means death or completion, and Maa means rebirth.