Mudra means “seal” in Sanskrit.
It’s a symbolic or ritual gesture using primarily the hands. Each position is believed to have a specific effect. Specific positions can lead to specific states of consciousness symbolized by the hand positions. For example, if a person frequently and with feeling does a position of fearlessness, they will also be freed from fearfulness in time. Mudras are said to engage areas of the brain and/or soul influencing them, sometimes physically, by their use not unlike an affirmation, or reflexology for that matter.
Ushas Mudra
This mudra is called the “Break of Day—origin of all good things”. Nature, and the magic of sunsets and sunrises, is one of my focuses this month, so this mudra is another tool to connect with the sunrise.
“For Men: Clasp your fingers so your right thumb lies above the left. The right thumb presses slightly on the left thumb. For Women: Place the right thumb between the left thumb and index finger, pressing on it with the left thumb.
Do this every day for 5 to 15 minutes. Hold this mudra until the desired effect occurs.
“This mudra concentrates the energy of our second chakra and directs it into the energy centers above it. It gives us mental alertness, pleasure, and new impulses. In addition, it harmonizes our hormonal system.
The Ushas Mudra helps us wake up in the morning. When you are still sleepy and lying in bed, place your clasped hands at the back of your head. Now inhale vigorously and deeply several times; open your eyes and mouth widely, press your elbows back into the pillow. While exhaling, let go of every tension. Repeat 6 times. If this still doesn’t make you feel alert and fresh, then rub your ankle bones together, as well as the palms of your hands, as if you were trying to ignite flintstone. Finally, you can also extend your arms overhead and stretch vigorously from head to foot.” The visualization in the chakra section above is taken from the visualization associated with this mudra in the book. Enjoy!
Source: Mudras. Yoga in your hands, Gertrud Hirschi.
