This gentle breath meditation brings the nervous and glandular systems into balance, tuning them to optimal efficiency. In this mudra, the thumbs are connected, which represent the energy of the ego. It was originally taught that this particular balance puts pressure on meridian points in the shoulders, relieving stress and balancing the nervous energies.
The Practice
Posture & Mudra: Sit in easy pose with a straight spine. With the elbows bent, raise the hands up and in until they meet at the level of the heart a few inches from the body, palms facing the chest. Place the palm of the right hand against the back of the left hand. Hold the hands and forearms parallel to the ground so that the fingers of the right hand point toward the left side and the fingers of the left hand point toward the right side. Press the thumb tips together.
Eyes: The eyes are nine-tenths closed.
Breath: Inhale deeply through the nose and calmly hold the breath in for 15-20 seconds. Exhale completely through the nose and calmly hold the breath out for 15-20 seconds. Concentrate on the breath.
Continue for 3 to 5 minutes.
This meditation was originally taught on January 28, 1980 and can be found in Praana Praanee Praanayam.