photo credit-Sean Hunter
Day 18-
Chin Mudra
the meaning: chin (derived from chit or chitta) - consciousness / mudra - gesture lock
Benefits:
Makes meditation asanas more powerful
Allows energy to travel back through the body and up to the brain
The chest area opens up, giving a sense of lightness and receptivity
Helps to connect to the inner self
Calms the mind and nervous system
Improves concentration and memory
Improves sleep
Increases energy in the body
photo credit-Sean Hunter
Day 17-
Hridaya Mudra
the meaning: hridaya - heart / mudra - gesture, lock
Benefits:
Diverts flow of prana from the hands to the heart
Improves the vitality of the heart
Nourishes the entire body through the heart
Balances blood pressure
Helps to release pent-up emotions and unburden the heart
Helps lessen anxiety
Day 16-
Pranayama
There is an intimate connection between the breath, nerve currents and control of the inner prana or vital forces. Prana becomes visible on the physical plane as motion and action, and on the mental plane as thought.
-Swami Sivananda
Day 15-
Pranayama
the meaning: prana - life force / ayama - expansion
expansion of the dimension of prana
The techniques of pranayama provide the method whereby the life force can be activated and regulated in order to go beyond one’s normal boundaries or limitations and attain a higher sate of vibratory energy and awareness. Pranayama utilizes breathing to influence the flow of prana.
-Swami Satyananda Saraswati
photo credit-Adeeb Howrani
Day 14-
In the steadiness of the posture we learn to find steadiness in our lives. No matter what is happening around us, we can be steady in our stillness.
Day 13-
Yogasana
Definition: sthiram sukham aasanam
the meaning: that position which is comfortable and steady
This description is found in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Asanas/postures are practiced to develop the ability to sit in one position for an extended period of time. This is a necessary practice to be able to sit in meditation. Raja yoga equates asana to a stable sitting position.
Prior to everything, asana is spoken of as the first part of hatha yoga. Having done asana, one attains steadiness of body and mind, freedom from disease and lightness of the limbs.
-Hatha Yoga Pradipika (1:17)
Benefits:
Open energy channels
Open psychic centers
Becomes the tool for higher awareness
Provides a stable foundation for the exploration of the body, breath, mind, and higher states
photo credit-Christopher Campbell
Day 12-
Yoga
the meaning: yuj - to join
This joining or oneness is described in spiritual terms as the union of the individual consciousness with the universal consciousness. On a more practical level, yoga is a means of balancing and harmonizing the body, mind and emotions.
-Swami Satyananda Saraswati
photo credit-Adeeb Howrani
Day 10-
That space between the thoughts where the mind can rest, where we find that, which we are. So Hum.