Moon Bathing

 A full storm moon visits us tonight, I sit in Sidasana practicing a moving hand mudra and mantra meditation: 

'I am watering my soul with the universal flow. I trust in my higher self and have the courage to realise my potential and achieve my dreams' (Franks: 2000).

Alongside looking into the many paths of yoga, vinyasa, preparation for forward bends and our usual mammoth morning warm-up, we briefly touched on Mudra and Mantra Yoga in the second foundation day session. With a focus on the mantra sound Om - the sound of the universe and some practice of this magnificent mantra. After three Om's just sitting comfortable Danielle guided us into practice of three Om's with the hand mudra of knowledge 'Jana Mudra' alternating between Jana Mudra and open palms, encouraging us to notice any differences. I notice a subtle difference; when holding Jana Mudra I felt the Om was held within, less external more inward and without the depth of sound outside the body, the depth of sound appeared held within. I was rather fascinated when doing some further reading on yoga mudra later in the week and finding a concept that possibly relates, or theories my physical experience...   

'The nadis and chakras constantly radiate prana which normally escapes from the body and dissipates into the external world. By creating barriers within the body through the practice of mudra, the energy is redirected within.'

(Swami Satyananda Saraswati: 1969)

After my moon bathing, mudra and mantra meditation, before going to sleep that night, I looked out the window taking one last peck at the moon (which was by now beginning the waning process), only to see that it was sitting directly above my bed so I drew back the curtains and lay my head on the light filled, slivery pillow. I fell asleep bathing in the moons, watery, light; I slept fully and peacefully waking feeling rejuvenated and ready for the cold grey day, always fully aware that behind the rain filled clouds the moon is ever present...     

Yoga Journal Article on Philosophy of the Sound Om (click to view article)