Need Spiritual Support on Your Path to Healing?

I love the spiritual side of the oils. They are just a tool in the tool box but can be powerful when incorporated with other practical tools such as meditation and visualization and setting intentions and even surrounding yourself with crystals that--like oils--have a measurable frequency and have been used for centuries to focus energy or complement other efforts. Have you heard of malas? I use them in my everyday meditation practice. I diffuse something relaxing and meditative then select a mala that features crystals with properties known for whatever I want to achieve, and then I use it as a very practical tool to support healthy meditation. Whether I'm setting my intentions to manifest awesomeness or trying to get calm and grounded or working to elevate my frequency and spiritual connection, "there's an oil for that" and crystals and other ancient practices to back it up! See below for some of my favorites and the gallery for more options and links to order.

How Do They Work?

Malas are like prayer beads but anyone can use them. 

In Tibetan Buddhism, malas typically have 108 beads, and that's the kind to which I've grown accustomed to using. Meditation starts at the base bead (the Guru bead), which is usually larger and hangs like a pendant or tassel middle front, if worn around the neck. 

Each bead is a breath or mantra or prayer. Sometimes if I want to just chill, I will focus on holding one bead a time between my thumb and index finger, and taking a deep breath with each. 

If I want to focus on something more specific, there are simple methods for that as well. This mala is available on Amazon at $59.99. It incorporates Jasper which is known for grounding, so I might use Jasper if I'm feeling like everything is all over the place and not exactly going right!

How Do I Focus Intentions With My Mala?

Malas are very user friendly. If I want to focus my meditation on something in particular, I would not only select my mala based on that focus but I might make up a little mantra for it too. 

For example, if I were feeling nervous about my flight, I might meditate on that the night before a big trip and even during take off (I actually do this, I hate to fly) in which case, I'd start at the Guru bead and my mantra might be something like, this is going to be a lovely, uneventful flight. Then I will repeat that mantra as I move the mala through my thumb and index finger until I've touched every bead. When I land at the Guru bead again, I know that I'm done. 

One of my favorite materials for malas is Carnelian. It's a stone known for promoting creativity, intuition and healthy businesses, so I like to use malas incorporating carnelian when I'm meditating on my business or financial pursuits. Carnelian is a great choice for entrepreneurs and artists. This one is $52.49 on Amazon. Click on the pic to learn more.

Varying Designs

You might find that malas are very different in appearance depending on their origin. Some people like to make their own customized creation by selecting their own beads and hand-stringing them or knotting them in between each bead. Creating each knot can even be a spiritual experience where the artist will infuse their intentions or prayers into each knot. Selection of crystals--whether in pre-made malas or customized ones--often match their goals, interests or passions. Making a mala is a very personal experience. 

I always suggest to friends (whether they are purchasing a mala or creating their own) to select the materials or the completed product based on appearance which typically confirms for us what crystals call to us and our individual needs. Once a mala or materials are selected, then go back and look up the crystal or crystals chosen for the project. You just might find they are well-suited to whatever you have going on or are trying to achieve. The mala featured left is made of lapis which is known for representing spiritual leadership and enlightenment.

I like to use malas with lapis when I'm getting ready to teach a class or lead a guided meditation.  This one is available on Amazon for $58.99. Click on the pic for more tinfo.