Midweek Mudra: Anushasana

As we move into the month of September, we prepare ourselves for change. The weather slowly cools, the days become shorter and darker and our bodies prepare to settle and hibernate for the winter. With these changes, we often find our minds following the body's lead slowing our thoughts, our motivation, and our productivity.

For the month of September, we will focus on gaining and maintaining energy before the draining of the seasonal change, beginning with the Midweek Mudra.

I particularly like Anushasana Mudra for its simplicity. Pointing or creating the number one with our hands is something that most of us do on a regular basis. It's a familiar and often comfortable position for the hands to form. It is a gesture that can be adjusted to use one or both hands; it can be taken during a meeting, in the car, or even as you take a walk.

While the primary function of this mudra is to balance energy in all directions, it also has the benefits of increasing body awareness, lengthening the breath, supporting physical alignment, and creating a sense of alertness and wholeness in the self.

To find Anushasana Mudra:
1. Curl the middle, ring, and pinkie fingers in toward the palm, wrapping the thumbs around the fingers 
2. Extend the index fingers outward (just like you're creating a "number one")
3. Hold hands out to the side of the body with palms facing upward, elbows resting gently near the ribs or allow the backs of the hands to rest on your lap
4. Relax the shoulders back and down, allowing the spine to be naturally aligned