WHAT ARE MALA BEADS?
Traditionally, Mala beads are meditation tools used by sages, yogis, and spiritual seekers for thousands of years. A mala (Sanskrit:माला; mālā, meaning garland) is used to count affirmations, breaths or mantras by chanting, whispering or mental repetition. This practice is known as Japa.
Wearing your mala throughout the day can serve as a beautiful reminder to stay present, reconnect with your intention, and gain inspiration from the healing properties of the semi-precious stones. By incorporating malas into your meditation and mindfulness practices, you can cultivate inner peace, enhance your focus, and promote overall well-being.
Elements of a Mala
108 beads
108 has held great significance in many traditions throughout history and connects us to the cosmos, ancient practices of yoga, our energy bodies, and the elements.
There are so many exciting reasons why this number has earned its reputation in spirituality, mathematics, and science. Learn more here.
The Knots
Hand knotting is the traditional way mala beads are crafted. The knot symbolizes the divine link present between all beings. I use the overhand knotting method to strengthen the Mala and provide space between each bead, making it easier for Japa meditation.
The Guru bead
Our Tassel Malas have an extra, larger bead at the end called the Guru bead, which signals the end of one round in the Mantra/affirmation cycle and serves as a reminder to pause and reflect on the intention or mantra before ending or continuing with the next round. The Guru bead represents the teacher/student connection and the summer and winter solstices when the sun appears to stop in its course and reverse directions.
The tassel
The tassel retains the energy generated in each meditation. It is also symbolic of the thousand lotus petals of Sahasrara (the crown chakra of spiritual illumination). Each strand continuously moves and flows, reminding us to surrender to change and trust the process.
The Pendant
We make some Malas with pendants instead of tassels. They are beautiful symbols that enhance your connection to your jewelry and add depth to your practice.
How to choose your Mala Beads?
It may seem tricky or confusing with so many options, but here are a few suggestions to help you find the perfect piece.
Trust your intuition.
Sometimes you know. Your intuition or gut feeling can create unexplained connections between you and your Mala. Your intuition can communicate in physical sensations, like butterflies in your stomach, an inner knowing that is not logical, or recurring thoughts about a specific Mala. Trust this!
Consider Your Intention
Do you have a specific intention in mind? You may be trying to manifest something in your life, like more abundance. There could be an aspect of self that you want to work on, like confidence or self-love. You may be looking for a talisman to protect you from any negative energies surrounding you lately. Meditating on your intention can help narrow down your perfect Mala.
Follow Your Magnetic Attraction
Sometimes we are drawn to a specific color or appearance of a Mala. For example, if you plan to wear your Mala regularly, you may want to choose one that matches your wardrobe. Or you may have a favorite color that inspires you or brings you joy!
Explore Gemstone Healing
Our Mala beads, made with grade A - AAA gemstones, have specific energetic vibrations. While exploring our product pages, you will discover the healing properties of each one. Perhaps you're less interested in the
physical appearance of your Mala and more in the healing qualities of the gemstones. Learn more about how crystals are used for healing here.
If you have any questions or still need help choosing, I would love to help! Please email me at contact@mylittlemantra.com, and let's choose your perfect Mala!
How to use Mala Beads?
There are endless possibilities to incorporate the magic of Mala beads into your daily life. They are versatile tools that can help you infuse mindfulness and presence into everything you do while supporting your overall sense of well-being. Here are a few of my favorite ways to use Mala beads:
Meditation with your Mala Beads
Whether you are a beginner to meditation or practice regularly, keeping the mind from wandering can be challenging. This is where Mala Beads come in: as tactile tools to bring your focus back to the present moment. You can use them to count your mantras, affirmations, or breaths. You can also hold them in your hands and receive the subtle healing properties of the gemstones while you sit in silence. We have written a blog post about how to use your Mala for meditation here.
Intention setting
Mala beads serve as a physical reminder of your intentions. I always set an intention when I begin working with a new mala. Think of intention setting as the initiation or first step towards reaching your goals, hopes, or desires. Setting intentions brings more purpose and direction into your life, inspiring you to take more aligned action.
*HOT TIP* Once you decide on a specific intention, try using your Mala to count 108 repetitions to connect and charge your Mala energetically with your intention.
Healing properties of the gemstones
Our mala beads are hand-knotted with grade A - AAA gemstones. Gemstones are the most orderly formation in nature and are structured to respond to different energies, leading them to oscillate, sway, and emit specific vibratory frequencies. Working with the energetics of particular gemstones that resonate with your intention (for example, attracting abundance or enhancing self-love) is as easy as wearing your Mala around your neck or wrist when you need that extra boost. Learn more.
Above all, I want you to know that there is no right or wrong way to use your mala beads. Feel free to get creative and find new ways that resonate if none of the suggestions above do.
How to care for your Mala Beads?
Mala beads are a powerful tool for meditation and manifestation, and with proper care, they can last for years to come. Treating your Mala beads as sacred objects, whether you're using them for meditation or just wearing them throughout the day. Here are some tips to help you keep your mala beads in good condition:
How to store your Mala Beads?
Keeping your Mala in the accompanying pouch, a Ziplock bag, or both will help keep the precious metals from tarnishing. If any tarnishing occurs, gently polish them with a polishing cloth.
Wearing your Mala Beads
Be gentle when putting on and taking off your mala beads. It should be the last thing you put on and the first thing you take off.
Avoid wearing your Mala beads in water.
Avoid wearing your Mala beads in the shower, while swimming, or during other water-related activities. Getting your Mala wet will weaken the chord, ruin the tassel, and can damage the gemstones. This includes activities like exercising, swimming or showering.
Cleansing your Mala
Crystals are known for their ability to absorb and store energy, which is why it's important to cleanse them regularly. By releasing any unwanted or stagnant energy, you can allow your gemstones to work at their highest potential. Here are some safe and effective cleansing rituals we recommend:
Smudging: Using the smoke of sage, palo santo, or other cleansing herbs can help neutralize and cleanse the energy stored in your gemstones. Simply hold your crystals in the smoke for a few minutes.
Moonlight: Placing your crystals on a windowsill during the full moon can help release any stored energy. During the new moon, you can set new intentions for your gemstones. This is an easy and powerful way to cleanse your crystals.
Reiki: Using Reiki energy can cleanse and energize your gemstones. Simply hold your crystals in your hand and channel Reiki energy through them.
Self-cleansing stones: Citrine, Selenite, and Kyanite are three gemstones that never need cleansing and are super effective at purifying other gemstones nearby. You can place your other crystals on
top of these stones to cleanse them.
Sound healing: Using sound waves from a singing bowl, chimes, or tuning fork can also effectively cleanse your gemstones. Hold your crystals near the sound instrument and allow the vibrations to release any old stagnant energy from your crystals.
Caring for your tassel
To keep your tassel in great condition, we recommend storing it in its original linen fabric when not in use. If your tassel needs a bit of maintenance, simply wet your fingers and use them to straighten out any tangled threads.
Occasionally, you may notice the ends of the tassel becoming frayed. To fix this, gently flatten the tassel between your index and middle fingers and use very sharp scissors or shears to trim the frayed ends. Be careful not to cut too much, as you don't want to shorten the length of the tassel.
Remember to take care when handling your tassel and to only trim the ends as needed. By following these simple tips, you can keep your tassel looking beautiful and in top condition.
Caring for your gold vermeil pendant
Gold vermeil (pronounced ver-may) is a type of jewelry made up of a Sterling Silver base layer with a solid gold electroplating on top. Our pendants and Guru beads are made of gold vermeil, and we use a heavy 2-micron layer of real 24k gold over high-quality sterling silver. All the materials used to create our gold vermeil pieces are sourced and produced in Portugal.
To keep your gold vermeil pieces in top condition, we recommend the following tips:
• Regularly wipe your pendants and Guru beads with a polishing cloth to remove any dirt or grime that may have accumulated.
• Avoid exposing your pieces to water, perfume, lotions, soaps, or other harsh chemicals that can cause tarnishing or damage.
• Store your pieces separately in their cotton pouch to prevent scratching or tangling.
By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that your Mala beads stay in good condition and continue to support your meditation and manifestation practices for years to come.
SEE OUR MATERIALS & CARE GUIDE FOR MORE DETAILS!
If you have any questions or still need help choosing, I would love to help! Please email me at contact@mylittlemantra.com, and let's choose your Mala!