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Staying Grounded During Meditation–Earth Touching Mudra

May 25, 2013 By Dr. Susan O'Grady

In meditation, we notice thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations, and then return our focus to the breath. This photo of a Buddha from the Metropolitan Art Museum in New York shows bhumisarsha mudra: the right hand reaches down, marking the moment of enlightenment when Buddha called upon the earth goddess to witness his resistance to the forces of Mara, a demon of temptation away from the spiritual life. In meditation, sometimes moving into this mudra can bring the mind back from the thought stream, wherever it has taken us.

It is normal to experience many feelings and thoughts during meditation. Even the most experienced feel carried away by their thoughts and feelings. For meditation to have the most beneficial effects, it is important to stay with the practice, letting the difficult thoughts enter your mind and then letting them leave, as waves roll in the surf, or as clouds pass in the sky. But when sitting still in meditation becomes difficult and you feel antsy to stop, try this hand mudra, and see if it helps you to refocus.

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Dr. Susan O'Grady
Dr. Susan O'Grady
Dr. Susan J. O’Grady has practiced psychotherapy,
couples counseling, and Mindfulness-based therapies in the San Francisco Bay Area for over 20 years.
Dr. Susan O'Grady
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About Dr. Susan O'Grady

Dr. Susan J. O’Grady has practiced psychotherapy,
couples counseling, and Mindfulness-based therapies in the San Francisco Bay Area for over 20 years.

 

In our blog posts, we draw from our clients’ stories in order to illustrate some of the common themes that come up in couples counseling and psychotherapy. The examples given here are composites, and we have invented all the names and identifying information. Any resulting resemblance to people is entirely coincidental and unintentional. We are licensed clinical psychologists practicing in the San Francisco Bay Area. Our posts do not reflect professional advice. Interaction with us via the blog does not constitute a professional therapeutic relationship. for professional and individualized advice, you should seek the services of a counselor who can work with you in psychotherapy. We do not assume liability for damage or injury resulting from your decision to interact with our website.​

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Dr. Susan O'Grady
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Dr. Susan J. O’Grady has practiced psychotherapy,
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Dr. Susan J. O’Grady has practiced psychotherapy,
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Latest posts by Dr. Susan O'Grady (see all)
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Dr. Susan J. O’Grady has practiced psychotherapy,
couples counseling, and Mindfulness-based therapies in the San Francisco Bay Area for over 20 years.
Dr. Susan O'Grady
Latest posts by Dr. Susan O'Grady (see all)
  • Psychotherapy in the Virtual Space: How teletherapy has changed the way we give and get care - April 26, 2021
  • (home video area – couples counseling) - November 23, 2011
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