I often get asked from others some advice on meditating. I have shared some tips for beginners to get started in a regular meditation practice and it is one I encourage in order to live a more conscious lifestyle, manifest dreams, and improve overall health and well-being. Meditation is not easy. I have been meditating for year and at times I still find it hard to quiet my mind when it is time to practice. This post will share how I use mala beads to help meditate deeply without much effort.
What Are Mala Beads?
Mala beads are a string of beads, similar to a necklace. Typically mala beads are in strings of 108, although sometimes different numbers are used. A personal mala is a wonderful accessory to meditation, which when used regularly with a personal mantra, absorbs the vibrations of the practice. They are traditional prayer beads made of many different types of materials such as wood, gemstones, seeds or crystals similar to those used in other religions.
They are a wonderful tool for meditation because they help to keep focus with optimum energy levels. Meditation can be tricky to practice because, by its very nature, the mind tends to wander off during the meditation practice. If energy is low at the time of meditation, falling asleep can result. If the energy is too high, thoughts cause distraction. At these times, the mala beads provide a much needed anchor. The mala beads are moved in rhythm with the breath and a chosen mantra or affirmation, so that both-sleep as well as excessive mental distraction-are prevented by this action upon the beads.
My Experience with Mala Beads
I first started using mala beads during my second pregnancy. I got them for my daily meditation and relaxation sessions to prepare for my upcoming labor. I instantly fell in love with them! They were helpful in allowing me to find peace within, especially at times when I needed it the most. I have been using them ever since and use them daily in my meditation and affirmation practice. For myself (and many other yogis I know) mala beads quickly become a favorite accessory. I wear mine almost everyday and get compliments on them quite often! (even by non-yogis!) 🙂 They can be found online and can be handmade and elaborate such as found here that are made in Bali, or you can also find some available here from Tibet.
When I find myself in an uncomfortable or stressful situation the beads are there to ground me and help me illicit a relaxation response. Another way I help to supercharge the powers of my already amazing mala is to add essential oils to it. Frankincense or Cedarwood are two of my favorites and help to bring mental clarity and sense of calm. I use wooden beads which are great at absorbing the smell of the oils! I will often add a drop to my thumb at the start of my meditation practice allowing the oils to get on the beads and enhance my meditation. Click here to learn more about where to order essential oils.
Do you use mala beads? We would love to hear your experience!
