Mid-week Mudra: Anjali Mudra

Anjali Mudra, also known by several other names including Atmanjali Mudra, Pranam Mudra, Namaste Mudra and prayer position is one of my all-time favorite go-tos. There are so many reasons to love this posture and so much information is available on its benefits, I will give you just a few...

• It is equally grounding and energizing (surprise, surprise--another of my faves offering balance.
• It supports all body systems and is especially great for releasing tension from the shoulder blades and lowering blood pressure.
• It's easy to do any time and any where (just about).
• We take this pose of the hands accidentally all. the. time.

Do you ever catch yourself in a moment of stress, putting your elbows on the table in front of you, placing your palms together and lowering your head to your thumb and index finger or moving your hands toward your mouth?

Yes?

Well, then you need this mudra. In fact, it's so powerful, your body automatically does it.

So here's my recommendation for you. The next time you find yourself in this accidental pose, allow yourself to take two minutes away from that stressful event, straighten your spine, pull your shoulders back and allow your hands to rest peacefully in front of your heart. And breathe.

Here's the breakdown:

1. Place all fingers, thumbs and palms together.
2. Straighten the spine and pull the shoulders back.
3. Allow your elbows to be relaxed at your sides.
4. Bring your hands to your sternum or just in front of your heart.

*You may choose to have all fingers pressed together or spread open. Try both and choose what feels best for you.

To deepen this brief practice, you may choose to utilize a mantra or affirmation as you hold the pose. Below are three options (because they are all so good I couldn't choose just one).

1. With a gesture of reverence to each one I meet, I affirm our essenial unity. (Joseph and Lilian LePage)
2. Through the integration of all polarities, I experience my very essence as unity. (Joseph and Lilian LePage)
3. Full of thankfulness, I receive the good that waits for me. (Gertrud Hirschi)