Mindfulness

Have you ever felt that your day had passed without you doing much? Does your mind wander off when you try to focus on a task?

This happens when our brain acts on our subconscious mind (autopilot mode), which is also known as mindlessness. So how can you change this?

Practice mindfulness. It is a practice of being intentionally aware of the present moment and to experience what is happening around you without any prejudice. By doing so, you are allowing your brain to relax and accept the surroundings.

As you practice it daily, you will find yourself more receptive, feeling less stressed and hence happier.

1. Find a quiet and comfortable place
2. Breathe consciously and notice the sensation of your breath
3. Relax your body and ease any tension
4. When your mind wanders off, bring your attention back to your breath
5. Continue breathing consciously for 5 minutes

Rudra Mudra

The Rudra Mudra helps to govern and activate the solar plexus chakra. It treats exhaustion, fatigue and general weakness. According to the 5 Element Theory, the centering force is associated with the earth element which rules the stomach, spleen and pancreas. This mudra strengthens the earth element and its organs in the body.

Place the tips of your thumb, index finger and the ring finger together. Extend the other two fingers in a relaxed way. Practise with both hands for about five minutes three times a day.

Affirmation : I rest at my centre and draw strength and joy from my centre.

Bronchial Mudra

The Bronchial Mudra is very useful for the treatment of asthma as they have an impact on the biological map on the brain. This can be manipulated through the mudra in order to produce a positive effect on your autonomous nervous system, which controls your heart rate and breath rate.

Place the little finger at the base of the thumb, the ring finger on the upper thumb joint, and the middle finger on the pad of the thumb. Extend the index finger. For an acute attack of asthma, use this mudra for 4 to 6 minutes or until breathing has become normal.

Inhalation: Direct your consciousness into your abdomen, stomach, chest, throat, forehead and top of the head. Hold breathe for 5 seconds.

Exhalation: Direct your consciousness from top to bottom and count backward from 7 to 1. Wait patiently until the impulse to inhale comes. Now direct the consciousness back to the top again while inhaling. The pauses after inhaling and exhaling are very important here.

Affirmation: Every breath gives me strength. It strengthens my body, mind and soul.

Pran Mudra

With each hand, place the tips of the thumb, ring finger and little finger together. The other fingers remain extended. Practice this Mudra for 5 to 30 minutes a day.

The Pran Mudra activates the root chakra. It increases vitality, reduces fatigue and nervousness. It is often used to improve eyesight or treat eye diseases.

Affirmation: I have a healthy appetite for the small and large adventures of life. I digest the challenges with great pleasure and joy.

Apan Mudra

With each hand, place the thumb, middle finger, and ring finger together – extending the other fingers. Practice this Mudra for 5 to 45 minutes a day.

The Apan Mudra stimulates the energy of the liver and gall bladder. It removes waste materials and toxins from the body.

The Apan Mudra also helps to regulate urine, perspiration as well as relieve constipation. It also helps to improve digestion and increase metabolism.

Affirmation: I plant my seeds, care for them, and receive a rich harvest – with God’s help – that I thankfully accept.

What is Mudra?

The origin of Mudra remains a mystery today. However, according to the Indian Medical Science of Ayurveda, different areas of the hand stimulate specific areas of the brain. By applying light pressure on these areas of the hand, you will activate the corresponding region of the brain. The subtle hand and finger movements make important connections in the nervous system and increase the life force throughout the body, hence providing mental, physical as well as spiritual benefits. The effects of a Mudra can be intensified with breathing exercises, visualizations and affirmations. When a mudra is done with clear concentration, cerebral activity is calmed and regenerated. In addition, many Mudras synchronize the right and left hemisphere of the brain. This promotes alertness and memory and clarity of mind.

Mudras can be done while seated, lying down or even standing. Ensure that your body posture is symmetrical and centered. Relax your hands when performing the Mudra. Take slow deep breathes. Hold the Mudra for at least 5 to 30 minutes. Complete your Mudra practice with a positive affirmation.

The following Mudras are primarily used to support the healing or relief of physical complaints. Combined with visualization and affirmations, they also influence our minds and emotional state of mind.

Buzzing in the Ears

Prolonged exposure to noise can cause buzzing in the ears. But did you know that you may be able to forecast what may happen when buzzing in the ears occurs at different times of the day?

For example, if the buzzing occurs between 5pm to 7pm in the left ear, you are about to lose some money and if it occurs in the right ear at that time, you may encounter major good luck!

Fact or myth?

Time	Left Ear	Right Ear
11pm to 1am	A female is thinking about you	You are about to lose some money
1am to 3am	There will be some gossip about you	You may be associated with a legal case
3am to 5am	You may be losing some money	There is something worrying you
5am to 7am	Good food awaits you	A guest will visit you
7am to 9am	You will embark on an overseas trip	A guest will visit you
9am to 11am	You will encounter some back luck	Major good luck will follow you
11am to 1pm	You will receive news from afar	You will be visited by some relatives
1pm to 3pm	Good food awaits you	You will be visited by a guest from afar
3pm to 5pm	An important person will visit you	There will be some auspicious events happening soon
5pm to 7pm	You are about to lose some money	Major good luck will follow you
7pm to 9pm	Good food awaits you	You will be visited by a guest
9pm to 11pm	Major good luck will follow you	Good food awaits you