Remove Obstacles and Develop Resilience: Ganesha Mudra

A mudra is a sacred seal or gesture that in yoga channels the flow of prana, the vital life force, within the body.

The Ganesha mudra is named after Ganesh the Hindu elephant God and is beneficial for removing obstacles and also creating them to develop resilience and strength. It is also said to strengthen one emotionally and physically.

BENEFITS

1) Strengthens and stimulates the heart muscle
2) Opens the bronchial tubes (lungs)
3) Boosts self esteem, courage and confidence
4) Releases tensions and stress
5) Strengthens the muscles of the arms, shoulders and chest
6) Stimulates the Anahata chakra. It has been described as a practice that opens the heart
7) Regular practice may also help people suffering from sadness, depression or heartache.

PRACTICE

Bend your elbows, clasp and lock your fingers together with the back of your left hand facing the body and the back of your right hand facing outwards. Your thumbs are in contact with the little fingers of the opposite hand. Raise your elbows and arms so that your hands are level with and away from the heart in front of your chest and parallel with the floor (don’t raise the shoulders).

Breathe-in and as you breathe-out attempt to strongly pull your fingers apart without actually doing so (do not drop your elbows). Release the tension as you breathe in again. The temptation when one does something strongly is to hold your breath but do not do this. If you do you may be pulling too hard.

Repeat with the breath 6 times and once a day. It is said to be particularly beneficial if practised with meditation or pranayama.

June Skeggs