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.
“One way that all of us can better care for ourselves is by developing techniques for coping
with the irritations and anxiety that are part of life…
Think of these gestures as self-talk for your hands. These simple movements, the gestures that we often make unconsciously, can help us focus on our work, calm ourselves, release anger and energize us. Used for centuries by many different cultures, mudras are seen in Eastern dance and meditation, in ancient Egyptian friezes, even in Byzantine icons of Christ. Most of us use them today, too: we wave goodbye, we press a hand to our chest in distress, we wriggle our fingers to release energy, or press fingertips together to calm ourselves.
Easy to learn, mudras can be done anywhere, at any time: at traffic lights, in meetings, in airplanes, when we’re arguing, when we’re grieving, when we need to prepare for sleep. The word mudra can be translated from the Sanskrit as that which brings inner peace, and that s what mudras are: a physical means of quieting our bodies.” Product description for Mudras: Ancient Gestures to Ease Modern Stress by Emily Fuller Williams.
Ahamkara Mudra / Sanskrit: I-maker
This newsletter has been about being your own hero to create the life of your desires and dreams. You learned about using the power of the words “I AM” to create that life. Akamkara in Sanskrit means “I-maker”.
The solar plexus chakra was highlighted as being where your sense of self is and who you define yourself to be. It’s about using the power of your will. Fear is one of the signs of an imbalanced solar plexus chakra. A strong self is a sign of a balanced one.
Use this mudra when you are feeling “less than” and need to relocate your inner hero. This mudra is used for self confidence and self assertion and for counteracting fear and timidity.
How to do Akamkara Mudra: Index finger is bent slightly. Place thumb on the middle of bent index finger. Middle, ring and pink fingers are extended. I know, I know—looks like I am trying to make shadow puppets, yes?
Hold the finger positions, with both hands, for at least a couple of minutes.
Source: http://healing.about.com/od/east/ig/Mudra-Gallery/Ahamkara.htm
http://www.eclecticenergies.com/mudras/mudra.php?num=26
