UNDERSTANDING YOUR MALA

How To's // What Is

WHY THE DESIGN IS SPECIAL

Malas have been designed to honor our existence and connection with Spirit. Here is a key for each element:

- THE CIRCLE or shape, represents the Universe as a whole system, honoring all that was and all that will ever be, reminding us that we're all connected, bound to one another as a conscious mind.

- The KNOTS are to remind us that we are not alone and a promise from the Guru that you are loved, each moment is unique as we have the power to make our own choices, yet honor that gift.

- THE BEADS represent life's individual moments and are designed to remind us that we are all different and we are not alone of our unique existence within this life. Every bead as different as we are designed

- THE GURU BEAD is in honor of the Divine Spirit, the one that will lead us to the afterlife, the one that forgives all things and promises unconditional love.

- THE TASSLE represents enlightenment or life after death. This experience has a purpose, so trust.

HOW TO BEGIN YOUR MEDITATION PRACTICE

There are many approaches to meditating with your mala. The key is to use it as a tool to follow your breath and focus your mind.
- Begin by sitting in a seated position. It can be on a chair or on the floor. I recommend sitting on a folded blanket, pillow or yoga block with your hips just above your ankles, grounding through your sit bones and straightening your back with your shoulders resting at the sides.
- Place the guru bead in your right hand and place the first bead on the right side of the guru bead between your fingers, breathe in... breathe out... then rotate to the next bead.
- Option: Breathe in, then out while rotating the same bead along the cord in between your fingers, then move to the next bead. This will take about 20 mins if you rotate through the full 108 beads - connecting you to every cell within the body.
- Do not skip over the guru bead if you choose to extend your session, rather, circle back around from left to right in honor of our Creator.

- As a beginner, I recommend setting a timer for 5 mins. It's not a race, and begin to program your nervous system to trust the experience of following your breath instead of your thoughts.

HOW TO WEAR YOUR MALA

Malas are designed to be worn to remind us of our mantra but they can also be reserved for your practice only, but it's your choice. Many practitioners chant to themselves, sometimes aloud, while meditating so if worn, you can remind yourself that "I am exactly where I am meant to be," if feeling stressed or you're simply looking to remind yourself to be in the moment or whatever sits with you during your session: "Today, I will hear nature and give thanks."

- If worn around your neck, it can hang under your clothes next to the skin as protection or to feel loved, or visible against your clothes to accent your outfit. It can also be looped at least once around your neck if cooking or if you want a snug fit.

- If wrapped around your wrist, we recommend the left side as it's closest to your heart.

- If your mala is a little tight and unable to wrap around your wrist (usually wraps around 4-6 times) comfortably, slide the mala through your hands with a little tension once or twice to tighten your knots and lengthening the mala. Limit the tension as you don't want to stretch the knots for an unperfect fit, though it's always adjusting and breathing.

- If your mala doesn't wrap perfectly, wrap the mala around your wrist, twist the strand of beads, then wrap again, twist, etc. until it fits to your liking.

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR MALA

Your mala is made from natural, semi-precious stones and crystals. Because of this, they do absorb your natural oils so beads will change over time, usually appearing more polished than when it was initially designed bringing out the unique colors in each bead.
- To maintain the quality, avoid getting wet if possible and note, the cotton tassel will get tattered and worn, as will the cord. It's made of nylon, polyester or silk and can handle most elements so don't be alarmed if you get it wet or a little sweaty. The good news, the more you love and wear your mala, the more energy it will absorb and transfer. It's yours to do as you wish and because of its natural existence, the healing properties of your stones can be refreshed by hanging your mala in the sunlight or moonlight. Like all things, we need to recharge and refresh our energy.
- One important note, do not leave in below freezing temperatures such as your car or in a suitcase during travel. Some stones are fragile and will crack like Moonstone or Rose Quartz. As a suggestion, if camping or traveling, simply place in your sleeping bag, wear it under your clothes or place in a sock in your pillow case.
- Guaranteed for life, SMD will replace the tassel or rethread the cord under most circumstances.

STEELY MAE DESIGNS