PADMA MUDRA ‘GESTURE OF THE LOTUS’

Here's a mudra that I’ve introduced in class recently…
 
The lotus carries great significance in yoga as well as eastern religions like Hinduism, Buddhism… residing at the bottom of muddy ponds & despite being rooted in dirt, the flower blossoms through murky waters to emerge into daylight, unsullied & beautiful, a symbol of purity, enlightenment, resilience & rebirth. 
 
Linked to the 4th or heart chakra, that is Anahata, this is the chakra that’s associated with the element of air, which holds the qualities of lightness, gracefulness & sensitivity.
 
Through Padma Mudra, we can cultivate an openness to Anahata as it increases our sensitivity to the subtle sensations of our heart, awakening a sense of optimism & enthusiasm within us, encouraging us to live in the present more fully.

*drawing of Padma mudra by myself...

Method -
1. In seated position (can be on a chair or cross-leg on the floor) - brings hand in prayer at the front of heart centre with a slight space between; keep elbows relaxed.
2. Keeping heel & outer sides of palms, thumbs & little finger together; begin to peel 2nd, 3rd & 4th fingers apart, extending away from each other, as if their petals opening.
3. Keeping your breath slow & steady as you breathe through the nose; observing the flow of your breath - you may notice your breath & awareness being directed to the chest area where Anahata resides. 
4. And perhaps you may start to feel a sense of lightness and/or openness radiating from your heart through the rest of the body.