Meditation, Mudras and Yoga

Part class, part experience, dive into the world of guided meditation along with hand mudras, gestures that promote healing, psychological balance and spiritual awakening. The Sanskrit word "Mudra" can be translated as "gesture," "seal," attitude" or "signature" and the use of mudras have been used in almost all wisdom traditions throughout the world and notably in yoga. Yoga Postures, or Asanas, are more modern in their use, though the ancient wisdom of yoga as a wisdom tradition can be paired with asanas to give a truly meditative and transformative experience. There will be physical guidance to the asanas, but more focus will be put on the mind and "mindlessness" aspect of the postures, metaphors supported by yoga wisdom and texts to enhance and support your practice, and personal connections to the asanas. Great for curious folks who want more guidance in their meditation practice as a whole and who want to explore new ways of experiencing yoga.

The book "Mudras for Healing and Transformation" by Jospeh and Lilian Le Page will be a guide (no need to purchase book). Each class will explore a mudra, its meaning and benefits, an optional mantra (words to repeat to aid in concentration) that goes with the mudra and then have a guided meditation time utilizing this hand gesture. Participants are invited to make themselves comfortable and only do what is supportive for them personally.

Beth Brooks-Mwano has guided meditations at House of Steep in Arlington, VA and from her home in her personal practice as a Mindful Movement Guide and Yoga Teacher. Beth loves to pair the power of mind and body working together to create wholeness and abundance that speaks to each individual wherever they're coming from.

Requirements: Nothing is required but a quiet space for you to practice. Though the practice of the hand mudras is optional, it is an essential part of this particular meditative practice. If there are differently abled individuals, pain or discomfort there's always options to adapt!