Namaste hands, Anjali Mudra, is a symbolic gesture used widely in yoga. Mudras are hands gestures or ‘seals’ which indicate energy and intention and are used to calm the mind while uplifting the body. Often referred to as prayer position, Anjali Mudra, is associated with the word Namaste. Anjali itself means ‘divine offering’ or ‘gift’ and comes from the sanscrit root anj meaning to honor, celebrate.
When pressing the palms together in front of your heart you are connecting the right and left hemispheres of the brain. This also represents bringing into unity our dualistic nature — male and female, logic and intuition, strength and tenderness. You can play with this by placing your hands slightly to the right and left of centre. Notice how uncomfortable it feels to be off balance. Return to center and observe the peace and satisfaction that reside there.
In yoga the centre of the chest is viewed as a lotus flower and is the core of the energetic and spiritual heart. By bringing your hands to this location, thumbs touching the sternum, you are encouraging your heart to gently open. From there, bow your head gently in humility, giving thanks for all you have and preparing yourself for blessings to come. This mudra helps you to listen mentally and physically, brings a sense of calm, peace and connectedness, and reminds us that life is a gift.
I thoroughly enjoy Sadie Nardini’s explanation of this mudra. Hope you do as well.
Finger tips firm – intention, hug in, give to yourself first physically and energetically
Second knuckle has some space – allow the breath to move through you as you give to others
Outer palm presses together – core connection from pelvic floor up through spine, centre of bodies needs to be firm to support body
Very centre of hands - spaciousness at the very centre of yourself, peace within
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This is a lovely post, Donna, on a beautiful detail of yoga practice that is often overlooked. I am going to post a link to this post on our school site for my middle school yoga students to enjoy!
In fact, you’ve inspired me to create a class sequence around the theme “Namaste.”
Can’t wait to see the class sequence – I used this as the theme for verbal cues during this week’s Hot Yoga for Teens class, hugging in to energize yourself on the inhale & finding the calm, peaceful centre on the exhale. Every breath brought us back to Namaste.
Thank you for the inspiration and explanation of Anjali Mudra. I love the thought of this position reminding me to stay balanced. It’s something I am currently struggling with. Your words will likely follow me to meditation this week and give me the inspiration I need to make time for all of the important things in my life.
I love how this idea of balance and finding inner peace has become such a part of my life currently. I’m feeling pulled in all directions and need to be reminded often to give to myself, to breathe, to return to my heart.