The Hands Have It

Have you noticed this gesture on TV shows and commercials? I assume that its purpose is to make the speaker appear relaxed and confident, but it makes me be weird. First of all, no one makes this gesture in real life. Second, it's only one in a predictable series of four gestures that makes them look like stilted automatons.

The series usually goes something like this:

1. The gesture pictured above,
2. Open gesture that looks like they're holding an invisible volley ball,
3. Left hand loosely clasps the right by the fingers and,
4. Hands down at side.

And repeat over and over.

What's up with this, who invented it, and who teaches it? During my years as an initiate with the Self-Realization Fellowship, I learned that this gesture is the Yoni mudra that, when used in meditation, is supposed to get one in touch with one's female energies (the pose represents the yoni, or female genitalia).

Hmm. Do you think that TV people use it as a subliminal trigger for male viewers? Probably not, but it's worth thinking about.