17-Nov-2011

Thumbs Up

Taming the Eager Ego

Have you ever wondered about the ritual of giving a “thumbs up?” Ever since humans developed opposable thumbs, this versatile digit has given us the ability to grasp our world. In yogic teachings, your thumb represents the ego, which is why many yoga mudras connect the fingers to the thumb as a way of balancing the ego with your higher states of being. Gyan mudra lets you channel divine knowledge into your ego, to achieve Cosmic Wisdom by touching your thumbs to your Jupiter (index) finger.

Sometimes, the ego becomes a bit overzealous…so here are a couple of yogic techniques to help you out. Whenever you’re thinking negative thoughts (your ego’s way of protecting you), make a fist with your thumbs inside your fingers. Wrapping your thumb is like “swaddling” your ego and will help you feel calmer and more neutral. For a powerful preparation to your meditation, do 3 minutes of Ego Eradicator pose before you meditate. You will feel energized as this exercise strengthens your aura and eliminates negativity, tension and worries. Thumbs up to you!

Ego Eradicator Pose with Anne Novak (video)

Recommended: Kundalini Yoga With Gurmukh (DVD)