Gesture of the Lotus

Hi friends!

Last week in class we explored the Padma Mudra - the gesture of the lotus. As a reminder, a mudra is a symbol with the hands. The Padma mudra is a symbolic opening of the heart, rooted in the qualities of the lotus flower: thriving in the mud, reaching toward the light, blossoming with grace.

In yogic wisdom, the heart center is symbolized by a lotus flower with 12 petals. Each petal has a different attribute. As we moved and breathed together, we acknowledged the positive qualities within our higher selves. We gathered the positive energy that we needed. We shared what we had to offer, and we released the tensions and anxieties that weren't serving us. At the end of our practice we took time to meditate on each heart petal.

Several of you asked about this list after class, so I wanted to share it with you here.

🌸 Bliss 🌸 Peace 🌸 Harmony 🌸 Love 🌸 Understanding 🌸 Empathy 🌸 Clarity 🌸 Purity 🌸 Unity 🌸 Compassion 🌸 Kindness 🌸 Forgiveness

All of these qualities live within each of us. All of these qualities surround us in our communities of friends and family. As we go about our days with awareness, we can discover those heart petals even in people we haven't met yet.

Perhaps you choose to reflect on one trait each day this week, or maybe just keep the list nearby to remind yourself of all of the goodness within you and around you.

IMPORTANT REMINDER!! We don’t need to be all of these things at once - I don't think it's even possible for mere mortals! Let's just take one breath, one intention at a time. Focus on what resonates with you today. We can leave the rest for another time.

Thank you for all of the goodness that you add to my world.

All the petals of the lotus,

Nina G