Mudra means "seal" or "mark" and is a symbolic or ritualistic gesture.  Most are performed with the hands and fingers, although some involve the entire body.  They are used in meditation, martial arts, yoga or pranayama in order to direct energy flow within the body. 

Mudras can help us to come back to intentions within our practice.  They stimulate different areas of our brains and bodies.  They can even produce specific energies and states of mind. 

MUDRAS CAN HELP US TO COME BACK TO INTENTIONS WITHIN OUR PRACTICE.

When practicing mudras, our fingers each represent a specific universal element:

- Our thumb represents the fire element.

- Our index finger represents the air element.

- Our middle finger represents the space element.

- Our ring finger represents earth element.

- Our pinky finger represents water element.

Mudras can help us to create a balance of the elements within ourselves.

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Want to gain a better understanding of the mudras you're touching upon in your yoga practice and incorporate them more consciously?  We're going to be breaking down mudras weekly in our #MudraMonday series.

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SURYA MUDRA

Surya is Sanskrit for "Sun" and stands for willpower, courage and vitality, activating heat in your body.  Associated with increasing core body temperature and with improving metabolism and digestion, practice of the Surya mudra is thought to help with weight loss, decrease cholesterol and even prevent illness. 

Best for those who tend to run on the cooler side and associate with Kapha or Vata dosha in Ayurvedic principals.  Use minimally if you run on the hot side and associate with  Pitta tendencies in Ayurvedic principals and minimally during the summer/hot months.  Avoid if you're running a fever or are underweight.   

As we are moving into chilly weather in the Northern Hemisphere, the Surya mudra is beautifully incorporated into your every day when experiencing coldness of skin or limbs or when you are shivering.  This mudra will increase the fire element  in your body and will increase body temperature.

TRY SURYA MUDRA

Standing or sitting in a comfortable position, extend your arms out in front of you.  Bend your ring finger down so that its tip touches the base of your thumb.  Then press down on your ring finger with your thumb.  Spread your other fingers our straight.  The benefits of this mudra show up best when practiced 30-45 minutes a day.  You can break up your practice into shorter time segments throughout your day.

Surya is Sanskrit for "Sun" and stands for willpower, courage and vitality, activating heat in your body.

If you start to feel a decrease of your energy late in the day, feel an illness coming on, or just feel generally chilly, the Surya mudra is a beautiful way to come back to your baseline.  This practical mudra can be a go to daily.

Namaste.

Jenny White

Jenny is a mama, DJ, yoga teacher and beach-obsessed boss babe at TheKaiLife.com.  You can find her with a huge smile on her face adventuring with her husband, son Kai and fur babies Koa & Snorkel; spinning music and dancing with you late night; on her yoga mat or under a palm tree.

Follow her on instagram @iseekthewaves @jadoreurlife .