My friend and colleague Martha Norwalk shared a mudra with me, one that is supposed to help heal the heart. Because I didn't feel very well at the time and because I didn't write it down anywhere, I forgot how to do it. The other day, I remembered I had reviewed a book about mudras about a year or so ago. I don't keep every book I review; I give most of them away. I kept this one and pulled it out.
The book is Mudras - Yoga in Your Hands by Gertrude Hirschi. Mudras are hand positions that you frequently see statues of holy ones holding. Various mudras are said to elicit states of mind that can be enlightening, soothing, or energizing.
Sure enough, there are several mudras that are specifically for improving heart functioning. I chose two of them and have been using them daily. In re-reading parts of the book, I found a section that talks about the various meridian points in the body that are reflected in our hands and Hirschi writes about ways to relax or stimulate various parts of our bodies based on how we touch or hold our hands. It reminds me of foot reflexology and is fascinating stuff.
This led me to wonder about various crafts and arts we engage in. For instance, knitters and crocheters will tell you how relaxing it is to practice our craft. Crocheting is not only relaxing for me, it is very meditative. Now I wonder what meridians I'm touching with the various stitches I make. I know some of you who read this blog are musicians and others are visual artists. Woudn't it be interesting to know what's happening when you play various pieces of music or hold your paint brush or pencil?
Placing both of your hands in the prayer position in front of your heart is said to promote calm and peace. No wonder so many people and traditions use it! And the position many people use in meditation - touching thumb to forefinger - is said to connect us to the Divine. Maybe give one of these a try and see what happens for you!
As one of your readers who fancies himself a musician, I can certainly identify with the relaxation and inner regeneration of even just sitting and holding an instrument. I can tell you that there is a flow of energy between instrument and musician. Whether it is due to the position of the hands and body, or something else, I am not the one to ask.
ReplyDeleteWhether the well-being and regeneration come from the release of endorphins while playing music, or whether there is a channeling of spiritual energy from a higher plane during the act of engaging in music, there is most certainly something that goes well above and beyond holding an object and making noises with it.
During many musical sessions, I have played new and original pieces which arrive unexpected and unbidden. They just are there, without conscious thought or effort.
Also, I have a few instruments in which I feel a strong spiritual presence. One only needs to hold the instrument to feel that one is working with more than just wood and metal.
Yes, I thought of you when I wrote today's blog! And I know there are writers and artists, too, who read my blog.....how much power is in our hands and we don't even know it. And I agree about holding the instrument...or touching the keyboard...it is as if a presence shows up and says, "Let's create...."
ReplyDeletes as if there is a presence that joins us and says, "Let's create, shall we?"
Wow! What a concept. I never thought at all about this, but of course it makes incredible sense: When you are doing your craft or project or making music or whatever your hobby, craft, or avocation, you are making mudras that invoke mental and spiritual states. And I second what Harvey said: there is a palpable flow between musician/instrument, painter/brush, handcrafter/tool, etc. And this totally explains why we get so bonded with our tools/brushes/instruments. I know if I don't have the exact right favorite pencil or eraser or cloth with me, I can't make art until I do. Thanks for the "aha!"
ReplyDeleteI think J. K. Rowling was expressing this very concept when she wrote about Harry Potter obtaining his first wand. Mr. Olivander said "The wand chooses the wizard".
DeleteWhen I bought my very first good guitar, the luthier who ran the shop told me to play all 5 he had, even though it was a factory made instrument. And so I played all 5 of them. And one was somehow different and special. And it remained somehow different and special for as long as I played it.