Welcome and thank you for joining our fourth meditation in the five element mudra series.
My name is Sarah and I will be offering guided meditations and mudra methods to enhance our awareness of the five elements within our body and the five elements within our natural surroundings.
In each mudra introduction we will review the origins and the philosophy of mudras and their corresponding meditation practices.
Take some time to write down your mudra and its methods so you may practice on your own.
Consider making time for your self-study and explore the five elements with mudra,
Movement,
And sound meditation on your own or with these recordings or follow your heart to a solo retreat or group session with me.
You are invited to listen to one,
Some,
Or all five element mudra meditations.
The Vedic teachings outline the relationship between the five elements and the five fingers as follows.
The thumb and the fire element,
The index finger and the air element,
The middle finger and the space or ether element,
Ring finger and the earth element,
Pinky finger and the water element.
Mudras are described as gestures,
Attitudes,
Or symbols expressed through our hands,
Body,
Eyes,
And face.
Mudras are also used to tell stories,
Express deities,
Perform imagery,
And stimulate the flow of energy called prana.
Mudras are associated with the various levels of consciousness within the body.
The word mudra means seal or lock as it maintains energy within and doesn't let it leak out from the body.
This internalization of energy improves the mind-body connection that keeps us focused and helps balance and heal physical and mental.
In Hatha yoga,
Mudras are not only practiced in the hands but also associated with internal actions involving the pelvic floor,
The diaphragm,
Throat,
Eyes,
Tongue,
Abdomen,
And other parts of the body.
The fourth element in our five-element mudra series is the air element.
In Ayurveda,
The air element is associated with the heart chakra and general movement in the body including free movement,
The vajra chakra,
And general movement in the body including freedom of thoughts in the mind.
Vayu is Sanskrit for wind or air referring to the movement within the body.
The mudra for the air element is Vayu mudra.
This mudra is practiced to guide the movement of prana or chi in the body.
This mudra also helps to maintain our inhale and exhale by maintaining balance of prana flow within the nadis also referred to as the meridians.
This mudra is specifically for self-healing.
To practice Vayu mudra,
Bring the tip of your index finger to the base of the thumb and place the thumb on top of your index finger above the nail bed.
Extend and maintain the other fingers out straight.
Place your mudra on your lap or at your sides with palms face up.
As much as possible,
Do not move the fingers or arms around.
Allow yourself to feel the qualities of air or wind that you most need to draw upon at this time.
Air qualities are all about movement of ideas,
Thoughts,
Communication,
And when focusing on the heart chakra,
This empowers ideas of love,
Openness,
Mobility,
Positivity,
And emotional intelligence.
When you feel the sensation of the air qualities you most need to experience at this time,
Affirm to yourself that you can access this feeling anytime you need to simply by taking the time to connect to the air element with rhythmic breathing and the Vayu mudra.
Close your eyes and focus on the pattern of your breath,
Giving yourself gratitude for this mudra and meditation practice.
Maintain your meditation for as long as you like.
Continued practice with the Vayu mudra should be performed in moderation under the guidance of an experienced yoga teacher.
Practice these mudras for 30 to 45 minutes.
It can be done in one sitting of 45 minutes or in a gap of three sittings,
15 minutes per sitting.
Finish with your meditation,
Open your eyes slowly,
And release your mudra.
Write down any notes if anything stood out to you about this mudra and air element meditation practice.
Practice makes progress.
I look forward to focusing on the five elements and mudras with you next time.
I bring my hands over my heart and invite you to do the same.
I ask that you may all be happy and may all be healthy.
May we all experience what is good and let no one suffer.
Thank you for practicing Vayu mudra with me today.
Peace,
Blessings.
