So much of life in the past year has been about survival and adjustment, not just in our personal lives but in the practice of dentistry. As we prepare to re-enter “normal life”, I thought it would be a good time to talk about Anjali Mudra.
Anjali is a Sanskrit term that means, “to offer” or “to salutate”, and the term Mudra means “seal”.
Anjali Mudra is the practice of joining the hands together by the sternum in “prayer pose”. This gesture is used frequently during the practice of yoga – not only at the opening and closing of yoga classes but also during some yoga poses as a nice reminder to lengthen your spine by dropping your elbows down as you press your sternum into your thumbs.
Anjali mudra is a posture of composure, of returning to your heart, your center, whether you are initiating or completing an action. Bringing your hands together energetically and neurologically connects your brain’s right and left hemispheres – promoting balance.
It’s a moment to come back to your intention.
It’s a reminder to keep an inner attitude of peace.
It’s grounding.
It’s calming.
Anjali Mudra is also used during the beginning or even throughout a meditation. Meditation is an excellent and immensely beneficial wellness practice that reduces stress, promotes calmness, heightens focus, and transcends unhelpful mental patterns.
To get started:
- Sit down in a comfortable seated pose (Sukhasana aka easy pose).
- Place your hands together in front of your heart, with the thumbs touching the sternum.
- Close your eyes.
- Breathe in and out deeply through your nose.
- Focus your mind and your attention on an intention.
- Slowing down the fluctuations of your mind
- Sending light and love to someone in your life
- Taking a moment to reconnect with yourself (your wants, needs, and feelings)
Anjali Mudra will simply help seal in and complete this moment of purposeful pause.
As we head back to “normal life”, let’s all summon the courage to come back to center and re-enter our heart space, connecting to truth, love, and compassion.
🙏🏻 Namaste 🙏🏻
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