  Spiritual
This week: An Introduction to Mudras Edited by: Shannon  
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Welcome to the Spiritual Newsletter. My name is Shannon and I'm your editor this week.
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For the past five years (and much to the chagrin of several family members and friends) I've been fascinated by spiritual practices--from Buddhism to Wicca and everything in between. I've read book after book in an effort to learn as much as I can about as many belief systems as I can, and I've incorporated a hodgepodge into my own day-to-day life.
Last week we discussed meditation--something anyone can do regardless of religious preference. This week I'd like to discuss mudras: a positioning of the hands and fingers that influences the energies of the body, mind, mood, and spirit.
"A mudrā is a spiritual gesture and an energetic seal of authenticity
employed in the iconography and spiritual practice of Indian religions." 1
I first heard about mudras several years ago when I happened across a 68-card deck titled "Mudras for Body, Mind and Spirit: The Handy Course in Yoga" by Gertrud Hirschi, an author and public speaker who runs a Yoga school in Zurich. Published in 2007, Hirschi's deck makes learning about and performing mudras simple and easy.
Are you stressed out? There's a mudra for that. Suffering from depression? Perhaps the Power Mudra will help. Sexual energy waning? Try the Kundalini Mudra. Do you suffer from chronic pain? The Surbhi Mudra might provide some relief, but in order to try the mudras you have to be able to see the hand and finger positioning. As you can see in these photos, the front of the cards depicts the hand/finger positioning as well as the mudra's purpose (e.g. healing, discipline, stability, etc.) while the back lists the mudra's name (e.g. Fire Mudra, Annapurna Mudra, Narayana Mudra, etc.), how to use the mudra, and an affirmation.
"Regular practice of hand mudras brings physical health and peace of mind and hence a great way for improving body strength." 2
In addition to Gertrud Hirschi's 68-card deck there are books you can buy if you're interested in learning more about mudras, but I'm a very visual learner, so I was excited to find this 50-minute video by Mr. Parvez Daruwala--Clinical Hypnotherapist, Life Coach, Energy Healer, Light Worker, and Corporate Trainer based out of Mumbai, India:
"Hands are more than just functional; they are an energy map of our consciousness and health. Each area of the hand corresponds to a certain area of the body and to different emotions and behaviors. By curling, crossing, stretching, and touching the fingers and palms, we can effectively talk to the body and mind. The position the hand takes is called a mudra and is a technique for giving clear messages to the mind-body energy system." 3
As I eluded to at the beginning of this newsletter, not everyone in my life appreciates my hunger for spiritual knowledge. They think anything less than straight-up old-fashioned Christianity is sacrilegious and blasphemous, and they don't hesitate to tell me so. They're entitled to their opinions, and I'm entitled to practice what and how I want. It's okay to disagree with someone's religious and/or spiritual practice as long as you're respectful, but ultimately it's their business and no one else's.
There are many different religions out there and a plethora of spiritual practices dating back thousands of years. If something interests you, learn more about it. If a specific practice calls to you, dig a little deeper--see if it's for you. Don't let anyone dictate how to live your life. It's yours, after all. Be curious, stay openminded, educate yourself on the things that interest you, and embrace our diversity. Despite our differences, we are one.
The Divine Image
By William Blake
To Mercy, Pity, Peace, and Love
All pray in their distress;
And to these virtues of delight
Return their thankfulness.
For Mercy, Pity, Peace, and Love
Is God, our father dear,
And Mercy, Pity, Peace, and Love
Is Man, his child and care.
For Mercy has a human heart,
Pity a human face,
And Love, the human form divine,
And Peace, the human dress.
Then every man, of every clime,
That prays in his distress,
Prays to the human form divine,
Love, Mercy, Pity, Peace.
And all must love the human form,
In heathen, Turk, or Jew;
Where Mercy, Love, and Pity dwell
There God is dwelling too.
Thank you for reading, and if you're interested in Hirschi's handy deck, here's the Amazon link to learn more:
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Amazon's Price: Price N/A
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1.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mudra
2. http://www.lexiyoga.com/hand-mudras
3. https://www.3ho.org/kundalini-yoga/mudra |
I hope you enjoy this week's featured selections. Please do the authors the courtesy of reviewing the ones you read. Thank you, and have a great week!
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The following is in response to "Meditative Mind" :
Kanish ~ we got this!  writes, "I close my eyes and try to remind me that I am a soul with a body. And that life is nothing but experiences; a series of them. Then, I gradually say to myself that I am a peaceful soul. As I say it, sometimes a wave of serenity washes over me. Many a times not, but I still try." Thank you for sharing, Kanish. 
Marci Missing Everyone writes, "Psalms 1:2 'But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.' Even God tells us to meditate. We need to take time out of our busy lives to concentrate on spiritual things. It is not only refreshing to the mind, but also the body and spirit. Thanks so much for this article. I can't wait to check out and try some of this." You are most welcome, Marci. Thank YOU for reading and commenting. 
A*Monaing*Faith  writes, "I've been saying this for years! I meditate all the time and my prayer life had gotten better b/c I approach it like meditation and not just 'please bless this and help me with that.' I even titled my blog 'reflections' for this reason, it could just as easily be 'meditations.'" Yes! 
sweet libya writes, "I feel better. I feel great. I am happier than yesterday and the day before. I know how to meditate and I do or actually I did when I didn't much need it, but now I am working, doing mine and my depressed husband's. Being a mother of four children, thanks to Allah, adds insult to injury and makes my life a real marathon to and fro. Now I find it thanking firstly to a generous invitation to visit writing.com and secondly to your brilliant article. Thank you Shannon." Aw, thank you, Sweet Libya! You are most welcome, and thank you for sharing. 
In response to "The Act of Forgiveness" Elfin Dragon-finally published writes, "Regarding your newsletter on "The Act of Forgiveness". I'm glad you wrote this one. Not too many people can truly see or understand what it really is/means. It's the same way when people ask about regrets. I tell them I have none, why would I? Everything which has happened, the good and bad, has made me the person I am. Given me everything I have today. Why would I change that? Forgiving those who've wronged me is also a part of who I am. My father taught me that, my faith encourages me to and I firmly believe it. No one should live without love." Absolutely agree with you 100%. Thank you for taking the time to comment. 
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Spiritual: May 11, 2016 Issue [#7616]
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