Let your right hand rest on the ground, or on your knee, fingers pointing down.
Because
Bhumisparsha, the earth-touching gesture. In Buddhist images it's the Buddha calling the earth to witness his awakening. Here, the earth witnesses you.
2 of 4
When
Before a hard conversation
Do
Raise one hand, palm outward, at shoulder height, for one breath.
Because
Abhaya, the gesture of fearlessness.
3 of 4
When
Crossing the threshold of the house
Do
Bring the palms together, briefly, as you step in.
Because
Anjali, from the classical treatise on drama and dance, used to greet what deserves greeting.
4 of 4
When
Before opening the laptop
Do
Rest your hands in your lap, right on left, thumbs touching, for one breath.
Because
Dhyana, the gesture of meditation.
The hands first. The rest follows.
Hand gestures are open to anyone and carry no physical risk. The internal mudras of hatha yoga are different — the texts themselves call them teacher-transmitted — and they aren't here.