Many cultures note the existence of the body’s energy field and its interface with the environment. In China this energy network is a crucial part of acupuncture and herbal medicine. The pathways are called meridians and the energy is referred to as Qi. The same circuits are called sen in Thailand, channels in Tibet, and nadis in India. Yoga uses hand gestures or, hasta mudras, to seal or activate these energy channels. It is thought that mudras help us connect to the field of universal energy or shakti. These gestures, when done consistently, may enhance mental focus and hand dexterity.

To begin:

1.    Close your eyes, take 3 deep breaths. Let go of something that isn’t serving you on each exhale.

2.    Return to normal breath. Clap hands together three times

3.    Gently massage the backs of hands and forearms. Tune into the sensations of the hands: Are they cold? Warm? Do they ache or feel prickly? What do you notice?

4.    Slowly rotate wrists in both directions, stretch fingers, massage each finger from bottom to top. Take the thumb and gently rub the center of each palm. You can make circles and rub up and down.

5.    Without straining, tilt the right ear toward the right shoulder, getting a gentle stretch in the left side of neck. Let the left shoulder drop away from the left ear. ANY amount of tilt is good here. Do what feels comfortable to you. If you like, you can let the left arm float up to increase the stretch. Take 2-3 breaths and then do the other side.

6.    Pick a mudra to try

Abhaya Mudra or Fearless Mudra.

1.    Raise the right hand in front of right shoulder, palm facing forward, fingers up, shoulder relaxed, elbow bent, hand still. The left hand rests in the lap, palm up. If you would like to try this mudra standing or walking, allow the left arm to simply hang by the left side. The seated version of this mudra is seen in the photo above.

2.    Visualize the center of your palm radiating a warm light, pick a color if you like. Pretend that whatever causes you fear is looking right into this light.

3.    This gesture or mudra can be practiced for 5 to 45 minutes. I like to use this mudra in balancing poses, in particular, dancer. I feel like it gives me a focal point and a fearless attitude to try new things.