“I Empty my Hands to Hear the Voice of my Heart.”

It is interesting that in many indigenous cultures like the North West Coast and Inuit have depicted in art and told stories of hunters who had holes in the center of their palms. These openings were windows that through their hands, the spirit of the animal would be set free, thus they were taking only the animal’s physical body for their needs.

We can learn from this respect and gratitude for both what we’ve been given, and for what we need to take, makes for greater harmony within our hearts and connection with our world around us.

And speaking of hearts, the center of the palm is actually an energy point in Traditional Chinese Medicine related to the heart. This point is key on the channel for the organ that surrounds, protects and cradles the heart called the pericardium or ‘heart constrictor’.

Thus, when you activate the centers of the palms, this cradle area around the heart is able to soften, open and expand, helping you to feel more spacious, free and also can allow you to breathe more fully and easily.

Practicing Empty Hands Mudra helps me to let go my agendas of the moment to remember that there is indeed openness and freedom within me, and that I can allow my heart to be felt and to speak to me. Greater wisdom flows through me when I both open and let go. This is not an ancient or known mudra – it came to me in my meditation practice. I love how it feels, and wanted to share it here with you!

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HOW TO: Hands rest on the lap or in front of the navel with the Left hand under the Right hand. Gently open the centers of your palms.

Hold for 5-10 natural breaths. State the intention statement three times out loud, then silently. Notice how you feel in body, mind, and emotions. No known cautions.

YOGA PRACTICE: Try Empty Hands Mudra with arms overhead on the floor in Child pose.

FIVE ELEMENTS: Empty Hands Mudra invites balance and centeredness withing all of the Five Elements, all of the Chakras, and all of the Vayu Energy Currents. It can especially activate Air and Ether Elements.

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You May Feel These Benefits:

• Instills a sense of openness to the world, other hearts, and our own deeper wisdom.
• Brings expansion and openness to the chest and breath.
• As the chest naturally releases tension with the mudra, it relaxes the mind and the nervous system.
• Can help expand to envision infinite possibilities within life.
• Reveals inherent positive qualities of the heart within like generosity, honoring, gratitude, humility, and reverence.