Hi Sweet Friends,
Some people tie a string around their finger as a reminder. I wear a mala. It’s my spiritual forget-me-not. A tap on the shoulder throughout the day, encouraging me to pause, breathe and come back to my deepest intentions. They motivate me to invest in moments of self-care and compassion. So when Tiny Devotions’ Founder, Diana Charabin emailed to ask if I wanted to design two special malas, I jumped at the chance!
If you’d like to check out these malas directly, find the ‘I am resilient’ mala here.
Before I get to our creations, and their unique meanings, I wanted to share some background on malas with you. And since Diana is my resident mala expert, I connected with her to get the scoop on what makes malas so special and how you can use them in your everyday life.
Me: What are mala beads?
Diana: For those of you who don’t know, mala beads (also known as worry beads or prayer beads) are meditation garlands that have been worn for thousands of years in traditions of Buddhism, Hinduism, yoga and meditation. Whether or not they’re tied to your religion is totally up to you. Mala beads are usually used for japa meditation. During japa meditation you would recite a positive affirmation or mantra along each bead. This practice can help you achieve a more calming, connected and spiritual state.
Typical garlands contain 108 beads made from gemstones, wood or Rudruksha seeds that match your intention or affirmation. Malas love attention, so placing them around your neck, on your altar or running them through your fingertips daily, keeps them (and you!) vibrationally tuned. They’re a constant reminder that you are not alone, that you are powerful, complete and that everything is possible.
Me: How do I set an intention?
Diana: Setting an intention is important to align your beads with purpose and ground you for success. One common blockage I’ve seen people struggle with when choosing mala beads is figuring out what their dream or intention should be.
When in doubt, ask yourself :
- What do I want?
- If you cannot answer this, ask yourself: What do I not want?
Once you’ve narrowed it down, infusing your beads is as simple as focusing on your intention with beads in hand. Whenever you stray or waiver, simply pick up your mala and take a moment or two to realign with your desire.
Thanks, Diana!
What’s the story behind the Crazy Sexy Malas?
In order to design my one-of-a-kind mala beads for you, I spent a lot of time thinking about the intentions that guide me each day. The combination of stones I picked aligned with the principles that have supported me most during my Crazy Sexy journey.
I am resilient (turquoise)
The intention behind this mala is to nurture your innate ability to heal and thrive. It was designed to be a reminder that you are your own best friend and have strength beyond measure. We get bumped, bruised and tossed around a lot as life navigators. This mala is meant to be a touchstone during those times—it’s available to cheer you on and to remind you that you have a vast well of inner resources!
Stone meanings:
- Turquoise represents healing & protection
- Black Onyx represents strength
- Rose Quartz represent love
I am love (fuschia)
The intention behind this mala is to reinforce the sacred practice of loving and caring for yourself so that you can be the person you’re meant to be in the world. This mala was designed to center and calm you when you’re feeling unbalanced or overwhelmed. And it was crafted to ground you in the infinite power of the love that comes from within.
Stone meanings:
- Freshwater Pearl enables one to accept love & assists in self-love
- Fuchsia Jade represents health, wealth, longevity, harmony & balance
- Turquoise represents healing & protection
My intention is to find happiness in everyday.
I radiate happiness and love.
My intention for today is to love myself and smile more. 🙂
My intention is to let go of the past and to know that the choices I made were ok and everyone will be ok.
I will set the intention today to be open to forgiving myself for past hurts and problems and issues.
Great article on Forgiveness by the way. It resonated clearly for me. Very helpful. Thanks!
My intention for today is: Listen and trust your inner guidance.
My intention today is to breathe and let go. Accept others choices and allow.
My intention today is to do the good work I am able to do for others. And ultimately, that work will be for me ’cause love is a great big circle!
I intend to be peaceful and calm today.
My intention….I am Powerful. Of course I liked you on facebook and love the newsletter!
I intend to take care of myself by starting my day with a green smoothie.
My intention: I am beautiful and worthy of all things good. I love myself and the daily decisions I make (food choices, exercise, and such) reflect that love <3
My one intention today is to give thanks in all things, big and small.
I want to make healthy food choices so that my body is strong and able.
My intention for today is to love myself and my life.
(I already like you and follow you on FaceBook and I am already signed up for your newsletter and love it all!)
Thank you so much.
Today my intention is to have more love in my heart than fear in my mind.
I’m on vacation so I’d like to set an intention to be present here on this beautiful island. Leave my worries, relax and allow my spirit to reconnect
One intention I could set today…..I intend to listen to my body more, and to believe it it strong. I don’t give it enough credit most days, and deep down I know that the more I believe in it, the more great things it can accomplish.
My intention today is to be in equanimity & not be in judgement of myself or others.
I too, already like your fb page & receive your newsletter. Appreciate all your golden nuggets, Kris!
Thank you.
Remind myself that I am worth it!