You can spend hours researching and reading articles about yoga online, or you can get the information you're looking for on my website. I have several blog posts about yoga!
In this post, I will provide insight on specific topics as well as offer an action step to help you incorporate different aspects of yoga into your daily routine. You can expect to learn things like how to deepen your practice, ways to practice non-judgment, and how to use yoga mudras.
Why To Incorporate Yoga Mudras Into Your Daily Routine
How many times have you heard an instructor mention ‘yoga mudras’ during class? Do you know what mudras are? Below are some reasons why you should include them in your practice.
Mudras are ancient symbolic gestures practiced with the hands and fingers used to create a specific energy circuit in the body. These symbols are most often used during meditation in breath practices.
Because different areas of the hands connect to different areas of the brain, we use mudras to direct the flow of energy within the body by using the hands. This practice is thought to help generate a specific state of mind, depending on which mudra is being used.
Five elements make up the universe, each element is represented by the five fingers. For instance, the thumb represents fire and universal consciousness. The index finger signifies air and individual consciousness. The middle finger represents connection. The ring finger symbolizes the earth, and the little finger, water.
Including mudras in our practice creates balance among each of these elements within us.
Action #1- Use Mudras To Enhance Your Practice
Gyana Mudra is perhaps the most used during class. With your palms open and facing upward, connect the tips of the thumb and index finger while the other three fingers remain untouched and extended. This symbolizes the unity of universal and individual consciousness.
Shuni Mudra, similar to Gyana Mudra can be used to create strength. To practice, connect the thumb and middle finger.
To help bring about positive change, practice Surya Ravi Mudra by connecting the thumb and ring finger.
When you need a quick pick-me-up, try Prana Mudra: with arms extended forward, connect the thumb, ring, and pinky fingers of each hand while lengthening the index and middle fingers.
Obstacles in your way? Try the Ganesha Mudra, named for the deity who removes obstacles. To practice, touch your palms together in prayer position, then swivel your hands so that your fingertips point toward opposite elbows. The back of your right hand is directly in front of your heart. Bend your fingers to interlock them, creating a knot with your fists.
Make Your Own Space
Whether your favorite class doesn’t fit in your schedule or you prefer to practice away from others, creating a special space in your home will help encourage you to continue your yoga journey.
To get that same sense of calm that washes over you the moment you step inside your favorite yoga studio, all you have to do is dedicate a corner of your home to be your zen den. You don’t need an entire room, just a clutter-free space where you can keep a few yoga items.
First, determine where you feel most at ease. Do you prefer to practice near a window where you can see nature or a darker space with limited light? Once you determine a spot that will suit your needs, you can incorporate a few items to help set the mood.
A scented candle or essential oil diffuser can help enhance your practice goals. If you need calm, try scents such as lavender, chamomile, or bergamot. For an energizing practice, opt for citrus scents.
Store your props in a basket, so they are handy when you need them. You may want to include yoga blocks, a strap, an eye pillow, and a blanket. A bolster or large pillow can be useful, and of course, you’ll want a mat.
Other items you may want to place in your space to increase the feeling of zen include artwork, trinkets, or interesting sculptures. They don’t have to be yoga-themed if you prefer other points of focus. You can make your space more spiritual by incorporating something from your religion or an om symbol. Feel free to include whatever makes you feel happy when in your view.
No matter how you decorate your space,
to keep it simple and intentional.
Don’t allow clutter to accumulate, and don’t create your space in a high-traffic area.
Action #2- Get Creative!
What could be better than decorating your personal yoga space with your very own artwork?!
Check out this video tutorial and get inspired: https://youtu.be/1KtuqRBeR6I
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