What ignites your fire?

If you are practicing Yoga with me during the month of July, you've heard me talking about the fire element. You also learned the symbolic gesture of fire - the Agni mudra. 

Each month I choose one of the 5 elements of yoga (earth, water, fire, air, space) and plan the practice around the element. Living in Arizona, I chose the fire element for the month of July. We celebrate 4th of July with fireworks, it is extremely hot this time of year, why not explore the fire element?

When I prepare the yoga sequence, I think about the attendees of my practice. Not only do I think about where the practitioners are at the moment, but also where the practice of yoga may lead them.  As the yoga instructor I pause, take inventory of my strength and weaknesses, checking my toolbox, making sure I am prepared to inspire and educate others. 

This is a short summary of what I have learned about the mudra of fire and the positive energy it activates in your body. It is said that the energy activation point lies on the fingertips. When the fingertips are connected, the subtle energy in your body gets activated. The Agni (fire) mudra is useful for (just to name a few):

• improving digestion
• when digestion improves healing improves
• finding clarity in your thoughts
• improves meditation as it increases the fire of intelligence

Even if you don't buy into the energetic benefit of making shapes with your hands, just think of it as finger/ hand exercise.  Your hands are the most expressive part of your body. You 'talk' with them, write, type on a keyboard, or you prepare meals for yourself and others. Why not benefit and increase your mobility and flexibility in your fingers, wrists, arms, and shoulders. 

For me, Agni mudra is a reminder to think about what ignites my fire? It brings me joy to see the smiling faces of the practitioners as they are following along my sequence with curiosity and confidence.

What ignites your fire? Leave a comment!

With gratitude,
Oma 

Month of July - Agni Mudra

Pure joy - seeing smiling faces

I invite you to practice Yoga with me Mondays and Thursdays at Elements Yoga, once a month at White Tank Library, or contact me for private Yoga practice.