Anjali Mudra and Libby D.

I've talked about Savasana a couple of times. It is one of my two favorite parts of Yoga. My other favorite is Anjali Mundra.

In Hatha Yoga, Anjali Mudra begins and ends the practice. Anjali (to honor, celebrate) is a salutation and Mudra (seal) seals your relationship with the Divine. Therefore, Anjali Mudra is also known as the Salutation Seal. Seated in Siddhasana (Perfect Pose, my preference) or standing in Tadasana (Mountain pose), the palms are pressed together at the heart center, with the thumbs pressed slightly against the chest. The hands are pressed firmly together, without allowing one hand to dominate the other. The head is bowed slightly towards the heart, creating a lengthening in the neck and spine. With the eyes closed, a few deep breaths are taken. When in Anjali Mudra at the beginning of practice, it's the time to set the intention of your practice. For me, my intention is always the same. With my eyes closed, I say to myself, "I am here for me. I am here for me."

I love Anjali Mudra. I love Anjali Mudra. I LOVE Anjali Mudra. It induces a meditative state of awareness. There is a strength I am able to draw from it that makes my heart feel bigger than any other part of me. It's a radiating energy which sets an amazing, powerful, motivating tone for practice regardless of how I felt before I walked in the door.


Anjali Mudra (not me, but isn't she adorable?)

On another note, I think I've found my favorite teacher. In beginner's series, the teacher will talk about how different each teacher is and that most students will figure out who they connect with best and attend mostly their classes. For me, that person is Libby D. Libby has an amazing and magnetic spirit. Her instruction is clear and heartfelt; it is so easy to realize how much she loves yoga, loves teaching and how greatly she respects each student and their individual interest in yoga. Two of my classes each week are with her. I'm already excited about Monday class!