A mudra is a gesture you make with your hands that matches and expresses your heart’s intention. If you are happy to see someone, you may offer your hand to shake. If you are ready to surrender, you may put your hands up high above your head. We are all familiar with mudras. In China, one fist placed over the other infers that you are asking for that person’s vote.

In our tradition, we use the Calming Heart Mudra to calm down. As we settle, we become more comfortable even in the most difficult situation. We fortify our tolerance, and more easily let go of anger and upset.

Here is one more reason to use the mudra – one that may help you and others get home in time for dinner.

You can use this mudra to bring focus. For instance, if a meeting goes off track, use the Calming Heart Mudra to help maintain focus on the issue at hand. As an added benefit, it will encourage others to ask the perfect questions – shedding light on all obstacles and breaking through any impasse.

One of my students watched the members of a contentious city council resolve a long-standing and divisive community issue as she sat in the back of the meeting room holding this mudra. Its reach is far and wide, and she was home in time to fix dinner!