Last week, I focused my classes on paying attention to the hands during asana and meditation.
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| The Hamsa |
The symbol of the hand has been used in so many lineages for countless purposes. The prayer hands, the Hamsa (or evil eye), Buddhist and Hindu Mudras, for Chinese medicine (meridians in the palms), I could go on and on. The usage of hands has been used to reflect spirituality and devotion throughout the centuries. In modern day, we use our hands to communicate, to salute, to curse, to give, to energize to soothe. Our hands are the gateway to who we are.
When we like someone. we open our hands and arms warmly, when we are upset, we hold our hands tightly. The same happens in our practice. When we are at ease, we can barely feel the hands for they are grounded confidently, and they allow us to deepen the pose. They open the chest, the heart, and allow us to strengthen the core. Think about when the opposite is happening. When we are stressing during our practice, the energy stays stuck in our hands. Have you every had a practice in which you felt stuck in your shoulders and chest?
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| Gyan Mudra, used to increase concentration and energy (vaayu) |
Some tips to pay attention to your hands during class:
Hands: Your hands are like little suction cups. The center of your palm should be slightly lifted (energetically, your teacher shouldn't be able to see this) while the rest of the hand is comfortably grounded. All fingers and knuckles should be spread as wide as they go, as if you were trying to grab sand from underneath you. Pinky and thumb separate as far as possible, to create space in your palm. Your wrists and palms should have as little weight on them as possible. The wrist is a very fragile joint. But your hands are a gateway to your strength. Use them wisely and with full awareness.
In your downward dogs: does your downward dog seem like it's restricting your chest and back? Try switching the position of your hands slightly. Instead of pointing your middle fingers directly to the front of the mat, try pointing them slightly outwards. This may give you more freedom to your chest and the rotators in your shoulders.
In your planks and other strengthening poses: Use your arm, chest and core muscles to come OFF the wrist and palm. Press the floor away from you and let the energy travel upwards- towards the armpits and chest, into the belly- your powerhouse.
Have a great week, and stay warm!
Xo,
P
