Magic Takes Guts: 3 Mudras to Keep You ‘Turned On’ Spiritually

These 3 hand mudras will help you keep yoga, learning, and inspiration at the top of your list. Try them with the following mantra: "Magic takes guts."

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Bryant Park Yoga is back in New York City for its 12th season, featuring teachers curated by Yoga Journal. This week’s featured instructor is Dana Trixie Flynn, who led the Tuesday morning class.

One of the greatest lessons of yoga is to stay on the path and to keep showing up—no matter what. Transformation takes time, and we don’t always see the desired results right away, whether it’s getting stronger, feeling more confident, or experiencing more peace. It’s helpful and fun to incorporate practices that keep you inspired and spiritually turned ON; if your practice starts to feel like a “should,” you will not stick around for a miracle to happen.

Your hands are epic instruments for healing and one of the most powerful ways to awaken the heart. These 3 hand mudras will help you keep yoga, learning, and inspiration at the top of your list. Try them with the following mantra: “Magic takes guts.” You can keep your eyes open and repeat the mantra aloud with each movement, or it might be nice to close your eyes and repeat it internally.

Photos by Nousha Salimi

Eagle Mudra (Garuda Mudra)

Dana Trixie Flynn in Eagle Mudra

Mantra: Magic

Hook your thumbs in front of your heart and spread your fingers. It’s time to spread your wings and FLY!

Also see 3 Yoga Mudras for Love, Focus, and Freedom

Lotus Mudra

Mantra: takes

The Lotus is the timeless symbol of transformation, as it rises up out of the mud without a drop of mud on it. Bring your hands together at your heart and then open your palms, keeping the pinkies and thumbs touching.

Also see Gestures of Awakening: 5 Mudras for the Summer Solstice 

Unshakeable Trust Mudra (Vajrapradama Mudra)

Dana Trixie Flynn in Vajrapradama Mudra

Mantra: guts

This mudra represents unshakeable self-confidence, inner strength, and faith in something greater. Interlace your fingers with your thumbs up, drawing your elbows wide.

Remember: Never give UP, Always let GO!

Also see From Hand to Heart

Check here for the schedule of upcoming Bryant Park Yoga classes, which take place every Tuesday and Thursday through Sept. 23. Follow the Bryant Park Yoga series at #YJendlessYOGAsummer.

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