An Indian Art

Where and When Can You Practice Yoga Mudras?

You can actually practice the mudras at any time and in any place. Modern authors take the view that mudras can even be done while stuck in traffic, watching television, or when you have to wait for someone or something. However, my opinion differs somewhat from this perspective for the following reasons: mudras should be done in a meditative, harmonious mood. Can you guarantee that while stuck in traffic you won't be stressed and fuming with annoyance because you aren't getting to where you want to go, or that you sit in front of the television because you are "relaxing" by watching a hard-core thriller or vehement political debate on taxes? I invite you to do an interesting test: place your thumb and index finger together and think about something wonderful for a few minutes while you do this (an experience in nature, winning at sports, sex, etc.)—it doesn't matter what it is, as long as it lets you float on pink clouds.

Now try to feel the energy that flows from the index finger to the thumb. Finished! Now do the same thing again, but this time imagine something terribly sad. Once again, feel the energy of the fingers. Do you notice a difference? You will certainly have discovered how dull the flow of energy felt the second time.

This little experiment shows me how important it is to practice mudras while in a good mood and in a positive atmosphere. Feelings and thoughts influence the energy fields and the flow of energy in a negative or positive manner, even if we don't notice it. This is no joking matter. As I will explain later, we want to engage these energy fields in a positive sense. This is why the basic tone of our momentary mood and situation is so important. However, there are also mudras and breathing techniques for serenity, patience, and composure. These can be used to initially get into the right mood. For example, when stuck in traffic, standing in line, or sitting on a train, we can first calm down and then begin practicing the actual mudra. When holding a mudra while watching television or listening to the radio, one further factor should be taken into consideration—the time we spend on a mudra should always be a time of self-communion as well. The only exceptions are special programs or music with a much more calming than stimulating effect on the nerves. If we have planned our days so poorly that we don't have three peaceful minutes, if we let ourselves constantly be exposed to the radio or television from our first waking moments until we fall asleep at night, then mudras actually have no place in our lives. Mudras can truly be practiced almost anywhere and at any time, but only when we can also withdraw within ourselves almost anywhere and at any time. This really isn't all that difficult and can be learned, like everything else. It concerns our health—we need a few silent minutes now and then every day. These silent moments can be the most precious to us; and like the salt in the dough that gives the bread its good taste, silence adds the right spice to our lives. "

A good time to practice mudras is a few minutes before getting up and a few minutes before falling asleep, before or after meals, when you walk somewhere (we all need to walk a certain distance every day), while on public transportation, or during breaks at work. However, don't just try out a number of mudras in a row at random. Specifically select just one or two. Practice these according to a time plan. Decide when, how long, and how often you want to do them every day. Or plan to fill both the usual and unpredictable times with them when you have to wait. Practice only these mudras over the next few days. The effects may occur immediately, especially if you have acute complaints or mood swings. But it may also be that the effects you hope for only occur after several days. For chronic complaints, it usually takes several weeks or even months before an improvement takes place. Only patience can help here. Moreover, it is always worth it since many new perceptions can be gained and wonderful moments experienced, in addition to the desired healing. You should also know that when something changes within, there is a corresponding change in your surrounding world. Every healing within also brings healing into your world. An illness in the body is always connected with thoughts and feelings that make people sick. A certain amount of time is required before healing takes place on every level. So allow yourself the time—practice ardently and remain completely serene and confident while doing so. Then the chances of healing will be the greatest.