More than just being beautiful pieces of jewelry, mala beads have traditionally been used for reciting mantras as part of a meditation practice. Mantras are simple chants or phrases designed to create soundwave energies that help promote creativity, spiritual growth and healing. But you don’t have to recite mantras to benefit from wearing malas. We use only the finest quality semi-precious gems and wood beads in our She Recovers Malas, all of which have unique healing properties all on their own. Just wearing one of our bracelets or necklaces will help you feel more grounded and relaxed.

The guru stone or tassel on the end of our necklaces can also be used for meditative purposes. I find myself holding on to the guru bead at the end of my necklaces many times a day, sometimes using it like a worry stone sometimes just playing with it while I’m standing in line at the grocery store or having conversations with people. Just holding the malas and taking a few deep breaths helps me feel more present and mindful – no matter what I am doing or where I am.

Using Mantras:

Sit comfortably (on your meditation mat if you have one) and hold your mala (bracelet or necklace) in your right hand. Hold a bead between your index and thumb and then, using your thumb, move from bead to bead while repeating your mantra, chant, or affirmation.

The mantras that I use change daily and depend very much on how I feel when I get to my meditation cushion. The three mantras that I seem to practice the most are:

• Om [simple, but powerful]
• Om namah shivaya [to bring peace to the heart and joy to the soul]
• Om Gum ganapatayei namah [to help remove obstacles]

The mantra “I am” is also a beautiful one. Reciting it brings me right into the moment.

Using Affirmations:

I also use my mala bracelets to recite affirmations such as:

I am love. I am relaxed. I am at peace. I am confident. I am worthy. 

Reciting a Gratitude List:

This was a beautiful idea shared with us from our dear friend Jean from UnPickled. Now, when I am feeling down or negative, I meditate on each bead on my bracelet listing something or someone I am grateful for until I’ve gone around all 21 beads.  Truthfully, doing this wipes out any negative vibes that I’ve been carrying around.

Regardless of whether you use your malas as tools for meditation or wear them proudly as a statement about your recovery – I hope that you love them as much as I love making them for you.

Namaste,

Taryn

To order a mala visit our online mala shop.