MaternityShare

On Mudras and, Yoga in Portland July 13, 2008

I was talking with my dear friend Julia of The Joe Cocker Dancers about dance and movement and life we came to the subject of yoga. I told her of some lovely pictures in the current issue of The Yoga Journal (August 2008 issue) where they explained 5 mudras and how to incorporate them into your yoga practice. I used them the other day just before I practiced my hypnobirthing that I spoke of in my previous post. The mudra that resonated with me most strongly that night was Vajrapradama mudra. Vajra means “thunderbolt”. This symbolizes unwavering confidence and brings you back to that place of personal power. To do this mudra you cross your fingers and rest the palms of your hands on your heart’s center with your thumbs apart. I practiced it while sitting on my calves (knees and heels together under me). I found it to be calming and centering.

She mentioned wanting to expand on her yoga practice which made me think of my very first yoga teacher, Holiday Johnson, and how Julia might enjoy trying out her classes. I got to thinking about how lucky I was to come across a yoga teacher as knowledgeable and great as Holiday. She gave me a great foundation. She is very detailed, gives great corrections as well as great directions in class. She is firm in her style of teaching yet very giving of her knowlege and desire to bring her students to understanding the yoga and all that it has to offer.

One of the most impressive things I found about Holiday is that she was able to use yoga to correct or immensely help her scoliosis.

I honor her dedication both as a student and a teacher.

~namaste~