by | Feb 28, 2016 | Yoga Wisdom & Inspiration
One of my favorite teachers and writers is Zen Buddhist master Thich Nhat Hanh who has created a beautiful affirmation for deep listening that is the root of understanding, joy and can help to eliminate suffering in our interactions with one another to live together peacefully.
‘Aware of the suffering caused by unmindful speech and the inability to listen to others, I vow to cultivate loving speech and deep listening in order to bring joy and happiness to others and relieve others of their suffering. Knowing that words can create happiness or suffering, I vow to learn to speak truthfully, with words that inspire self-confidence, joy, and hope.
I am determined not to spread news that I do not know to be certain and not to criticize or condemn things of which I am not sure. I will refrain from uttering words that can cause division or discord, or that can cause the family or the community to break. I will make all efforts to reconcile and resolve all conflicts, however small.’
Thich Nhat Hanh
by | Feb 28, 2016 | Five Element Yoga®, Relaxation + Sleep
Using one sense can refresh all of the other senses by just simply stopping and paying attention for some moments, with focus on one sense – like the ears and listening.
Try this easy meditation to refresh and awaken the senses:
- Wherever you are, indoors, or outside, cup your hands behind both ears and close your eyes. As best you can, allow all sounds to come to you without pushing any of them away, nor wishing they were different. Not needing to analyze, figure out, or even name any sound, simply notice each sound. Whether mechanical, or natural, pleasant, or unpleasant.
- Become aware of the natural ebb, flow and rhythm of sounds as they move together through time and space. Stay here for some time receiving sounds. Be present with sound. Be presence.
- When the time comes to move on, allow your eyes to softly open and notice what feels different now. Move on with your day, noticing if your senses feel more alive and awakened.
by | Feb 28, 2016 | Mudras
This flow of mudras will allow you to calm and relax muscular tensions, inviting your senses to open to receive, as well as draw you inward to hear your own inner voice. Stilling and soothing the mind, this flow can lead you into feeling gratitude for all that is, improving your ability to genuinely listen to the voice of your heart, and truly hear others.
HOW TO: Hold each mudra for 5-10 natural breaths and repeat the statement aloud, and then silently a few times. Notice how you feel in your body, breath, mind, and emotion.
Mahashirsha Mudra: Great Head
“As I let go tension, my heart and mind open to receive.”
‘Great head’ is referring to the sense of lightness and ease that can be attained by practicing this mudra and affirmation. Calming and cooling the body and mind, thoughts and feelings can be let go to bring soothing to the sense organs that can get overworked in our modern society. It can help release tension in the jaw, reduce stress in the body and especially the head, and provide relief from headache.
Instructions: Tuck ring finger into center of palm, press middle and index fingertips onto thumb tip, extend little finger. Place elbows into your waist with hands facing upward or rest hands facing upward on your lap.
Angushtha Mudra: Thumb
“Listening to the voice of my inner being, I receive guidance from within.”
Angushtha Mudra enhances Akasha Space-Ether Element, helping you to become more open minded and awaken to your own limitlessness. It can relax and release tensions in the shoulders, throat and neck, helping the energy to flow in this area which can benefit the thyroid, cervical spine, and improve speaking and singing ability and fluency. These effects help you to hear the subtlety of your inner voice for the truest guidance.
Chin Mudra: Consciousness
“I see the Divine in all that is, living with genuine thankfulness.”
Chin means ‘consciousness’, and this mudra allows you to sense the divine presence within every being and all creation. Your inhalation and exhalation gently lengthens to create more relaxation, balance and stability within, encouraging attention going inward to rest within the space of your inner self.
It is in this sense of space and silence within that we can touch our inherent gratitude for all that is. This allows an opening to hear the essence of what yourself and others are sharing to be able to fully and attentively listen fostering deep connection.
Information provided here is used by permission and modified from Mudras for Healing and Transformation by Joseph and Lilian LePage, Integrative Yoga Therapy.
