These powerful yet simple hand positions increase focus, mindfulness & energy for a deeper meditation

(Educate Inspire Change | Michelle Estevez) From lifting items to moving different tools, it’s safe to say our hands are crucial parts of our daily experience. However, they’re more than meets the eye. Not only do they help us navigate our reality, but when placed in certain positions they can deepen our awareness and concentration. In Sanksrit, the term mudra means to gesture.

Mudras hand positions

There are a variety of mudras ranging from the hand, body, and heart. Each position is said to help channel and shift energy to clear blockages and open chakra points in the body. While there is a lot of history behind spiritual practices, the beauty in it is that we don’t have to venture out to the middle of a mountain to connect with the divine. After all, we have always been the purity we seek.

In today’s modern world, it’s important to remember this and create ways to take our practices wherever we go. Whether you are sitting in the comfort of your home or in public transportation, these simple hand positions can be done anywhere.

Gyan Mudra

This position is most popular in the western world and is typically seen in most pictures. There’s a reason why it’s so well known. The effects of the Gyan mudra are known to increase memory, focus, and concentration. While focus is often needed for studying or completing detailed tasks, it is also beneficial in meditation. Bring your hands to this position when you find yourself feeling ungrounded or with racing thoughts to find a center within.

To practice the Gyan mudra simply bring your palms face up. From here you’ll take your thumb and touch it to your index finger. Focus on your third eye as you sit in this position for a deeper sense of focus.

Hakini Mudra

While focus is incredibly useful, mindfulness is just as beneficial when it comes to our personal endeavors and in the way, we relate to the external world. The Hakini mudra brings us to a deeper sense of power over our own minds. With this comes a deeper understanding and appreciation for the present moment.

To bring your hands into this position start with your palms facing one another. Touch each finger with the corresponding finger on the opposite hand. Notice a small curvature occur within the palms as you remain strong in your spine with a straight back and elbows parallel to the ground.

Prana Mudra

The Prana mudra is a grounding position that brings up the life force from the root chakra. Practice this position to activate your inner reservoir of energy and life force. Similar to the Gyan mudra, you’ll start with your palms facing upward in an open position. From here, you’ll bring your thumb to touch your ring finger and pinky. Keep the index and middle fingers touching and pointing out straight. As you find yourself in this mudra, envision the life force energy in the center of your palm as it circulates and pushes out from your directional fingers.

Source: Educate Inspire Change

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