Yogic science of hand gestures
Mudras are the yogic system of antiquity that many understand to be the best of natural healing remedies. They are the ritualistic hand and body gestures commonly used in yoga practices all around the world. Mudras are broadly classified into two parts – ‘sarvanga mudras’ or the gestures that invoke the whole body and the ‘hasta mudras’ or the hand gestures that work on the energy connection points of the body. The yogic hand gestures are typically practiced along side pranayamas and asanas which require the least physical effort but have a huge impact on the health and well-being of an individual. A gentle and easy tool for self healing, these symbolic hand gestures are often performed in seated or standing postures to activate the prana circuits and to regulate the elemental energies within the body. Also known as ‘hand yoga’, this system of alternate healing is believed to invoke the higher cosmic powers that directs the flow of prana – the life energy in the subtle portals of spiritual evolution in the body.
Each one of the five fingers of our hands is associated with a primordial elemental energy at the subtle level. For example – the thumb represents fire (agni tattva) associated with manipura chakra, the index finger represents air (vayu tattva) associated with anahata chakra, the middle finger represents space (akash tattva) linked with vishuddha chakra, the ring finger represents earth (prithvi tattva) related with muladhara chakra and the little finger represents water (apas tattva) associated with swadhishthana chakra. The index finger balances vata dosha (air), thumb stimulates pitta dosha (heat) and the middle finger influences the kapha dosha (phlegm). When the fingers are used to perform a specific mudra in an appropriate way, it affects the level of five elements and enhances the flow of positive energy to promote healing and harmony on physical, mental and energetic level. Simply joining two or more fingers of the hands create a balancing effect on the human body. In fact, stretching and touching different fingers and palms together makes one talk to his or her own body and mind. One can choose to practice mudras according to his own personality type and health conditions to cure myriad of health issues.
The significance of groundedness in Yoga
Groundedness works as an authentic seal on a person’s health and wellness. In the present age of accelerated pressure, most of us feel stuck in an unmanageable mess of routine rut. We often feel low, insecure, out of sort, sometimes over hyped, burnt out and beaten. This state of mental and emotional depletion pushes us back from our true purpose. In such situations we tend to become ungrounded and off centered, wanting to return to balance and harmony. In a pinch ‘we feel the need to be grounded’ to firmly anchor our self in the now moment and to prevent the health challenges before they negatively impact our life. Groundedness connects us to the very essence of who we are and adds value to our being. It calms the racing and raging thoughts that spin around in our head and replaces the frazzled, unstable and scattered energy of our mind and body with positivity to keep us in a constant state of abundance. It also helps untangle the mental knots to make us feel more secure, stable, confident, calm and collective in life despite all worldly pains, stresses, grief, unresolved trauma and disappointments. Groundedness helps one stay focussed and protects him/her from emotional tumult. It not only helps enhance optimism and vitality but also leads towards transcending wisdom.
In general terms groundedness refers to a firm and stable foundation or physical rootedness. For some people groundedness is, resting the body into the ground and surrendering to the gravitational energy of mother earth. Whereas, traditionally the concept of groundedness is more than a state of being and is much larger than just the physical firmness. Groundedness is more about cultivating spaciousness within and reconnecting with our own source of being to unlock the spells of sufferings. According to scriptures “groundedness is keeping the energy firm, even and consistent to create internal balance”. Just like a tree gets the strength from its roots, we too can get strength and nourishment by nurturing our roots through groundedness practices. The more we carve and nurture our roots the deeper we dig into groundedness. Remember that nourishing the roots can make the marvelous tree of our physical self stand firm and strong.
Socializing for self nurturing
Socializing goes a long way towards achieving wellness that makes one feel safer and more grounded in life. This is one of the healthiest yogic practices which the yogis often follow during the reflection session at the end of the yoga class where they express their own thoughts, feelings, philosophies and share their experiences with the fellow yogis who come from diverse cultures and backgrounds. They not only practice together but also laugh together and at times even share potluck and plan outdoor picnics, short recreational trips or yoga retreats which are all the part of self nurturing through socializing. Socializing as an important self directing activity is central to growth, healing and overall development that has favourable effect on our social vitality. Socializing is a profound and wholesome measure of self nurturing which is essential to normal human development that cannot be over looked. We humans are the social beings who need to be connected and groomed to attain perpetual harmony. Socializing is a pre requisite to fulfilling our highest calling that fosters friendships and trains our minds and body to be conscious of our wants, needs and joyfulness. Surrounding ourselves with positive people helps set healthy boundaries of genuine kindness and compassion for one another, extending wider relationship circles and much more. Socializing helps one see life and circumstances in more resourceful and optimal way. It prepares us to accept and understand our true self and refills our life with brightness and joy.
An antidote to loneliness socialization is a life long process of self nurturing and self development that prepares us to deal with the world around us. Socialization includes socializing or working together with other members of the society, build stronger social connections to live a purposeful life. Social engagements keep us physically, mentally and morally occupied with our own beautiful self as much as with others through which we get acquainted with the cultural norms, values and beliefs of other members of the society. It allows us to share our code of ethics and morality with others and helps us to cultivate greater creativity and connection. We start to understand and value our connections with others and share our love, experiences and concerns with other like-minded people. ‘The more we socialize the healthier we become’. Upping the social life allows us to communicate with more and more people in our day-to-day life. Socializing is all about cultivating healthy relationships to form social and emotional bonds. It helps us live a meaningful life with new situations, new circumstances and new connections to progress and prosper. It makes us learn social adjustments and helps us realize our deep hidden unique qualities. As the most efficacious tool of personality development, socializing makes our dormant passion to feel good and look good. When we meet new people, we form healthy social connections and establish new goals for ourselves. We get attracted towards people who vibrate with similar energy and start looking at our self from a different angle. The lifestyle patterns of others influence our thoughts and boost our confidence, self esteem and enthusiasm. We get inspired, encouraged and curious about our looks, behaviors and values and try to be at our best.
“Social isolation is an unpleasant and involuntary act which affects all aspects of our existence at any age and can have serious consequences on our well-being.”