Mantras & Mudras

Life tends to move pretty fast. Before we even realize what's happening our weeks have turned into months and years, we find ourselves drifting out to sea - guideless - wish we could change the past but knowing we never can.

Each month I like to pick a theme for my yoga classes. I began with fear two months ago, then I moved on to the Self. This month, the month of July (and I'm beginning to think it will also be the theme for August) is "Mantra's and Mudras" two of my very favorite things about yoga, meditation and finding peace.

This week I would like to introduce to you the Lotus Mudra.

The gesture of the Lotus Mudra is to cup your hands together, having the heel of your palms, the edges of the pinkies and thumbs touch with the rest of the fingers opening wide in the shape of a Lotus Flower.

The mudra is to be held in front of the heart, as it's meant to work with the heart chakra - Anahata Chakra. With the Lotus Mudra you are to begin with the "petals" of your Lotus flower open, fingers spread wide. Take 4 deep inhalations and 4 deep exhalations. After the last exhalation draw the tips of your fingers together, touching, forming your hand into a Lotus Blossom.

Lower your blossom down towards your navel for a moment, the let it rise back towards your heart - and the petals open again.

Repeat this motion several times (carry it through your entire meditation).

The Mantra of the Heart Chakra is YAM, please feel free to change this mantra in correlation with the use of the Lotus Mudra, but that is not our Mantra for this week.

The Goddess Lakshmi is the Hindu Goddess of Wealth and Beauty of both physical and spiritual achievements.  The word "Lakshmi" is derived from the Sanskrit word "Laksme" which mean goal. So Goddess Lakshmi represents the "Goal of Life."

That is why I chose the Lotus Mudra - so you can cup your goal of life by your heart as you chant to the Goddess Lakshmi.

OH SHRIM MAHA LAKSHMIYEI SWAHA

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_RrOdLVM_k0&hl=en_US&fs=1]

The balance of your heart and your hearts desires will help you bring forth balance in every aspect of your life. When you are opened to what you really want and who you really choose to be you can accomplish anything.

Finding the right yoga practice, meditation, mantra and mudra for your own life is a blissful way to help realize that balance.

Once you have sat with your Lotus Mudra, cupping your dreams at your heart as you listen and feel the words OH SHRIM MAHA LAKSHMIYEI SWAHA pour through your being - peace will fill you.

And once you have found peace I give you our pose of the week - Ardha Chandrasana (half moon pose)

Be happy.

Be free.

Be kind to yourself and others.

And most of all be the change you want to see in the world.

~Namaste~