Whether you are beginning a meditation practice or are an advanced practitioner, Mala beads are a great tool to help you focus your attention. They provide something tactile to return to when your mind starts to wander. (This happens to everyone!)
Rolling the beads between your fingers is a physical way of directing your energy and attention. It's a gentle reminder every few seconds to sharpen and refocus the focus.
Meditating with Mala Beads: Some Simple Steps to Incorporating Mala Beads into Your Meditation Practice
- If this is your first time using a Mala, start by holding it in front of you so we can examine the anatomy. (Read: Anatomy of a Mala) The glans represents an end point – meaning you have gone all the way around the Mala for a complete cycle of meditation. Between the tassel and the collar buckle there is a single bead, called the guru bead. There are 108 beads in the necklace loop. (Read: Why 108?)
- Now start with the necklace in your dominant hand, the glans facing you.
- Start with the bead to the right of the guru bead.
- Start turning each bead individually in your fingers, slowly moving towards the next bead.
- When turning the beads, try not to use the index finger, as it is believed to represent the ego.
- Try using your thumb to turn the beads. You can use your thumbnail to pull the bead toward you. You can also use your thumb to rotate the cord by twisting and moving it to the next one.
- You will notice that there is hand knotting between each bead, this is to help facilitate the practice of moving from one bead to the next.
Do you feel like you have the hang of it? If so, let's try layering while breathing
- On each bead, inhale deeply and exhale. Then move on to the next bead. Inhale and exhale deeply.
- On each bead, along with your breathing, try to silently repeat your mantra to yourself.
- To do this, we will use an affirmation-based mantra, which is an “I AM statement.”
- On each bead, inhale “I Am” and exhale a word that embodies what you want to feel in this moment. He can be abundant, strong, patient, intuitive, etc. (To learn more about choosing your word, read: I've Had Enough - Why Affirmations Are So Powerful)
- Inhale “I Am” and exhale your word on each bead.
- You can also use a single word like "punished", or "love".
- Once you make it around 108 beads, you will reach the Guru Bead.
- The guru bead signifies a moment of pause and reflection. Here you can thank and honor your guru, your mantra, and yourself for taking the time to sit in silence.
Congratulations! This means complete practice!
Would you like to explore our Mala collections?
Necklace - used in practice.
Bracelet - worn to serve as a constant reminder of your intentions.
