Mudras To Practice During Ramadhan

Someone once told me that the essence of fasting during Ramadhan is to use this sacred month to cultivate good habits—to find a rhythm of mindfulness and self-discipline that would hopefully would be carried out for the rest of the year until another Ramadhan comes. It’s not just about abstaining from food and drink but also from excess, unnecessary anger, and actions that harm our physical and mental well-being,-- such smoking, drinking alcohol, gossiping, or lying... By letting go of habits that no longer serve us, we create space for a lifestyle rooted in self-restraint, gratitude, and kindness. In turn, we amplify our good deeds, not only for ourselves but for those around us.

That point of view forever changed my perspective about the Holy Month of Ramadhan. More than just a time of fasting, it is a month of blessings, prayer, reflection, and community—a time to realign with our faith and values, setting the foundation for a more intentional way of living. A concept that anyone can embrace.

One of the practice that helps me emphasise my mindfulness during Ramadhan (and even throughout the year!) is incorporating Mudras into my meditation. Since very early, Mudras has been playing a significant role in Yoga philosophies. The hand gestures have been scientifically suggested to have potential benefits in relieving stress and promoting relaxation by activating the rest and digest mode on the nervous system (aka parasympathetic!), improving focus, calmness, and brain function (aka cognitive upregulation!),

Here are some of the Mudras that can help us fine-tune our concentration, balance, and grounding energies— allowing us to connect more deeply with ourselves and our practice. Incorporate this the next time you sit for a meditation:

Dhyana Mudra

Dhyana Mudra

• How to do it: Rest your hands on your lap, with the right hand placed over the left, palms facing upward, and thumbs gently touching to form a circle.

• Benefits: Deepens concentration, promotes inner peace, and fosters a sense of grounding. This mudra is traditionally used in meditation to enhance mindfulness and self-awareness.

Anjali Mudra

Anjali Mudra

• How to do it: Bring your palms together at the heart center, pressing lightly with the fingers pointing upward.

• Benefits: Cultivates gratitude, humility, and balance. This mudra is often used as a gesture of reverence and connection, reminding us to align our actions with our intentions.

  
  

Prithvi Mudra (Earth Seal)

Prithvi Mudra

• How to do it: Touch the tip of your ring finger to the tip of your thumb, keeping the other fingers extended.

• Benefits: Promotes stability, grounding, and a sense of security. This mudra helps balance the earth element in the body, enhancing physical strength and resilience.

  
  

By incorporating these Mudras into your meditation practice, you create a deeper connection to your inner self, fostering a sense of calm, focus, and alignment—values that resonate deeply with the essence of Ramadhan. Just as fasting helps refine our habits and intentions, these small yet powerful gestures can serve as daily reminders to move through life with mindfulness and grace.

May this sacred month be a time of renewal, reflection, and inner peace for us all.