Why I love to make handcrafted malas
My handcrafted malas are inspired by a lifelong fascination with gemstones and crystals. When I was a child, I would hover my hands over objects like rocks, plants and trees. I was perplexed to sense energy emanating from these things and curious as to why I felt more coming from certain objects rather than others. Fast forward to when I discovered Reiki, the energy I felt made much more sense…I was tuned into the life force inside of those objects.
Malas have been deeply meaningful & supportive on my life’s journey. The first mala I ever purchased was made of lapis lazuli and tied by my mala teacher, Sarita Shrestha. Using the mala in mediation and wearing the energy of crystals helped me open my throat chakra. It was powerful medicine which came at the perfect time when I was just starting out as a yoga teacher.
I strive to create malas in a way that protects their cultural and spiritual significance. When tying a mala, I use a traditional technique taught to me by Sarita. I purchase beads that come from her family's village in Nepal.
I also donate $1 for every mala sold to the World Wildlife Fund as a symbolic gesture to adopt wild animals on the verge of extinction.
Custom and personalized malas are joyful for me to create. Contact me if you want me to make you something unique for you.
Thanks again for checking out my malas! It's an honor to create beautiful and sacred jewelry from my heart to yours.
Mala FAQs
What is a Mala?
The use of malas originate in India and have their roots in Hinduism, Buddhism and yoga. A mala is more than just a piece of jewelry. It is a tool you can use to help you focus the power of your mind to a mantra, chanted 108 times (the beads help you keep count). The mantra is a sacred utterance. It causes a reverberation in the mind and body linking you to the spiritual essence invoked in the mantra. Your mala holds the energy, insight and peace you find in meditation.
How to use a Mala with mantra mediation
When creating a mala, I use a mantra that resonates with the energy of the mala. You are welcome to use the mantra I have chosen, or another mantra which suits you. Sit in a comfortable position and chant the mantra you have chosen 108 times using the beads to keep track. Follow the left side of the mala and around for more radiating energy or go along the right side of the mala for more receptivity. Try to avoid touching the mala with your pointer finger as this finger is associated with the ego.
How to care for your Mala
When worn regularly, you may want to wash your mala occasionally. We suggest soaking your mala including the tassel in warm water with a gentle soap. Remove the mala after a few hours or an overnight soak. Use a toothbrush to scrub the beads, making sure to be super gentle as some beads are softer (like selenite and fluorite). If the tassel gets frayed, use sharp scissors to bring all of the strands to the same length.
How to respect your Mala
Malas are sacred spiritual objects that absorb the prayer, intention and positive energy you place into it. Malas come from Southeast Asia and in general, the East has different culture around what “respect” means as opposed to those in the West. It is important to clarify for yourself what it means to respect the sacred to you, no matter if you find the sacred in your mala, meditation, Reiki symbols, your body, your yoga practice etc. Disrespect of your mala may mean: placing it on the ground, letting others touch it, wearing it at a nefarious location or event.
How to cleanse your Mala
If your mala falls to the ground, absorbs some negative vibes and/or intuitively you feel guided … you may chose to cleanse the energy of your mala from time to time. You can cleanse your mala by:
Bathing it in the sunlight and moonlight (be careful not to expose the mala to extreme temperatures)
Activating the Reiki symbols over the mala, saying a prayer and inviting all energy below the vibration of love, light and true healing to forever dissipate from the mala.
Burn sage over the mala and offer prayer and intention. Reconnect to a flow of positive energy and ask the mala to hold space for your highest and greatest good.