When’s the last time you thought about the power of a hand gesture? Maybe when you got cut off in traffic? Or maybe when you approved something with a thumbs up? Or sent out peace? This practice of conveying more than words, of emanating emotions and energy through a simple gesture, has roots in yoga. Welcome to the world of mudras!
When we use a hand gesture (mudra), we communicate so much more than words. Our experience of this might be rather external, directed towards others. Yet, what might it be like to communicate supportive intentions and feelings inward, in support of yourself? In yoga, mudras are used to focus your attention on specific parts of the body, ailments, feelings, desired energy shifts and in support of habit change.
On this Valentine's Weekend, what better time to practice Purna Hridaya Mudra, cultivating love and compassion for yourself and others? This "Gesture of the Full Heart," nurtures an open heart, compassion for others, profound self-love and the capacity to extend it to others. When practicing Purna Hridaya mudra, you evoke loving-kindness and invite these feelings to grow, creating a ripple effect of positivity, first within, and then outwardly to others.
If you want to try it on:
· Sit comfortably with a straight spine and relaxed shoulders.
· Bring hands in front of your chest, with palms facing each other.
· Interlace fingers, leaving thumbs extended.
· Curl the first joint of your interlaced fingers in towards the palm.
· Form a heart shape by bringing thumbs together, extending downwards.
· Close eyes, breathe deeply, and focus on your heart opening and expanding.
· Visualize a warm light from your heart center, filling your Being with love and compassion.
· When you’re ready, extend those feeling outward to anyone who may need these supportive energies.
Aside from sharing loving-kindness to yourself and others, Purna Hridaya has several other incredible benefits, such as helping you to release emotional and energetic blockages, enhance connections with others, calm and balance inner peace, deepen meditation, and encourage self-reflection and emotional awareness.
There’s an entire world of mudras chock full of mental, emotional, energetic and physical healing qualities. I look forward to sharing more with you soon! With much loving-kindness to you ~ Jen Rizza
Jen is the Founder of Newtown Wellness Collective, a Reiki Master Teacher, Holistic Wellness Coach and Therapeutic Yoga Teacher. Learn more about Jen and the services she offers here.
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