Mudras for Peace and Ease

In the Yoga-verse, there are many tools that can help you unlock wellbeing. We commonly talk about full-body yoga poses (asana) and meditation. However, you may have seen photos of yogis with their pointer finger and thumb touching as the other three fingers extend. This gesture is part of another branch of yoga, mudras. There are many hundreds of mudras out there. Today we’ll be focusing on four mudras to bring peace and ease into your life. 

 

What is a mudra?

Somewhere in between asana and meditation are mudras, which could be described as “asana for your hands.” Mudras are hand gestures that are typically used in meditation, but you may see them sprinkled throughout a yoga class as well. Anjali mudra (palms touching with fingers pointed upwards, a typical “prayer” gesture) is often used at the beginnings and endings of classes in conjunction with the “om.”

Different mudras promote different qualities; just as a forward fold is very different from a warrior pose, these various hand configurations benefit your body and mind in unique ways. Like varying styles of yoga classes, you may find that one mudra benefits you one day while the next you need something a bit different.

 

Mudras for Peace and Ease

When you need to find peace and ease in your life but you don’t have the time or energy for a yoga class, try using a mudra to ground and center yourself. Even holding a mudra for a minute can be beneficial for your mind and body. Each mudra can be connected to a chakra and paired with the colors, crystals, and essential oils related to that chakra if you’re interested in deepening this practice even more.

Practice these mudras before or during meditation, before bed, or anytime you need a little more peace and calm in your life. They can be done lying down, sitting up, standing, or in a yoga posture.

 

Kali Mudra

Named for the fiercely compassionate Hindu goddess Kali, this mudra supports release, expansiveness, and purification. Another name for this mudra is Ksepana mudra. Ksepana is the Sanskrit word for “to throw (away)” and helps to rid the body of negative energy. This mudra is connected to the throat chakra, so you may want to pair it with spoken affirmations or vocal release.

To form Kali (or Ksepana) mudra: Interlace the fingers of both hands in front of the heart. Cross the left thumb over the right, and extend your index fingers up so they are pointing towards the sky.

Adhi Mudra

This is a perfect mudra to do any time you’re stressed, but because of the form of the mudra make sure not to do this when you’re angry! Keeping soft fists will help you dive into a deeper state of calm and stillness. Use the Adhi mudra anytime you need a little extra support and balance. It also supports mental and physical relaxation. Adhi mudra is associated with the root chakra. 

To form Adhi mudra: make two soft fists with your thumbs tucked into your palms. Rest both hands on top of your thighs or on the ground and breathe deeply.

Bhu Mudra

Bhu mudra enables you to find a sense of grounding, stability, connection to the physical body. Because the intent is to ground yourself, doing this mudra outside while seated or lying on the earth will increase your sense of stability and connection even more. Like Adhi mudra, Bhu mudra is connected to the root chakra.

To form Bhu mudra: Tuck your ring and pinky fingers towards your palms. Hold them gently in place with your thumbs. Extend your middle and pointer fingers out. Place them on the ground or the tops of your thighs.

Hridaya Mudra 

Use this mudra for inner guidance, self-compassion, and safety. It can help you to not only place trust in yourself, but also supports stress relief and release. This mudra supports the heart chakra (in Sanskrit, anahata, or “unstuck”). As you hold this mudra, focus on the gentle rise and fall of your chest. Make an effort to release tension from the shoulders and deepen your breath while holding Hridaya mudra.

To form this mudra: Place your right hand on top of your heart. Place your left palm on top of the right hand.

Do you have mudras that you love to use to bring peace and ease into your life? Let us know in the comments!