The truth is, we can all benefit from learning about meditation and spirituality. No matter how much we try to change, stress will always be part of our lives. An ever-increasing workload and an increasingly demanding and impatient culture lead us to want answers for stress management solutions, the most effective being yoga and meditation.
But there is something else that, when incorporated into your regular yoga and meditation sessions, can enhance your spiritual practice even more. They are the mala necklace beads. Sometimes referred to as japamala beads or mala beads for short, the mala bead necklace is not an unheard of concept in meditation. In fact, these prayer beads have existed for centuries, with many using these beads across different religions.
Mala beads can be used in numerous ways, with or without religious affiliations. A traditional mala bead necklace will contain 108 beads together with something called a “guru bead”. This bead is much larger than the rest of the beads and comes attached with a tassel to differentiate it.
There are several ways that the mala beads can help bring your meditation sessions to another level. The benefits that you stand to gain by including the use of the mala bead necklaces in your meditation practice include the following:
- It Helps You Feel Centered and Grounded – While meditating, practitioners often use the mala beads as a tool that keeps them grounded. The focus comes from the repetitive movement of your fingers across the beads because it gives your mind a focal point. A mantra is usually repeated as you touch each bead, and repeating this mantra helps calm the mind and soothe the soul. If you don’t have a mantra, the beads can help you stay focused on your breath. With every bead you touch, inhale and then exhale before you move on to the next bead and repeat the process. This way, your mind is less likely to wander.
- It Improves Your Focus and Attention – Using the mala beads during meditation will give your mind something to focus on. A wandering mind is something that many beginners struggle with when they first attempt to meditate. By using the beads regularly during your practice, you are training your mind to stay sharp and stay focused on the task at hand, teaching yourself how to control your mind and your thoughts in the process.
- It Lowers Your Blood Pressure and Stress Levels – The wandering mind needs something that it can anchor on to that will help minimize the distractions that it faces. When your mind is distracted thinking about everything else that is going on in your life, it is hard to bring your stress levels That is why the use of these beads can be extremely beneficial in helping you learn to control your breath. By mindfully teaching yourself to deliberately breathe in and out at a slower pace, it gives your mind and your body a chance to slow down and unwind too. Only once your mind is able to stay calm can your body then follow suit. When that happens your blood pressure and stress levels will automatically drop and you’ll notice how much better you feel just through the simple act of slowing down your breathing.
While some may not understand the importance of these beads, they are used in numerous ways during different yoga styles. This makes it a great tool to use while doing your daily activities. It can assist you as you go about everyday life and provides you with a sense of peace as you perform tasks throughout your day. Purchasing a mala bead necklace is simple and affordable. While there are different styles to choose from, it’s important to consider what type of style suits your needs the best.
There are many things that many people say can help with your spiritual practice. Most of these fall into the category of things done besides meditation or yoga.
The most common being a daily discussion on the spiritual path with an experienced practitioner. Another being an hour spent in nature every day after morning practice.
Yet another is a wait to eat until afterwards, when you’re finished with your meditation session for the day. There are others like listening to guided meditations through earbuds, more time spent in silence, and sometimes a night-time ritual of watching a sunset every evening before bed. So do these things make you more spiritual?
A mala necklace is not an obligatory part of your spiritual practice. Although the religious significance of these beads are the main draw for some, there are others who do not incorporate the prayer beads into their spiritual practice. If you would still like to explore spiritual powers with a decorative piece around your neck, a beautifully handcrafted mala necklace might be just what you have been looking for as well.
The beauty behind the mala bead necklace is that you can meditate and pray wherever you go. Since the beads are typically smaller than regular meditation beads, a mala bead necklace does not take up any unnecessary room in a well-worn purse or tucked away pocket. The freedom to carry these optional beads around also means that a person can carry out their daily practice no matter where they are: at home, at work, or even while traveling. You’re never too far away from your spiritual center when you have your bead necklace with you.
When used properly, these japa malas can improve your clarity, concentration and spiritual path tenfold making them an excellent tool for any spiritual person out there. They are an asset that will last you a lifetime so if you find you enjoy using them during your meditations, don’t hesitate to add them to your shopping list as soon as possible. And remember, don’t let the fact that they may seem unusual or foreign hold you back from pursuing this practice!
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