How to Use Your Mala

What is a mala?
A traditional mala मल  is made of 108 beads, usually natural materials, stone, bone, wood or seed. There is an additional larger bead, called a guru or meru bead. This bead holds space for you when you are chanting. It is also gathers your energy when you chant. 

Many religions use some sort of beads for prayer, recitation of verse or chanting, including Christians, Buddhists, Islam and Hindus. Using a mala does not have to be a religious practice.

How do you use a mala? 
A mala is generally used with a mantra मन्त्र, a sound or group of sounds. The beads are run through the thumb and middle finger. Why not the index finger? The index finger is correlated to the individual soul or ego. The Middle finger represent peace or satva सत्व . When you reach 108, you turn around and go the other way if you want to continue. This way the energy builds in the guru bead. The mala allows the chanter to focus on their mantra and not keeping count of how many times they say the mantra.

Japa जप  is the sanskrit word for the recitation of mantra. Most traditions believe that mantras should be given to the student from their teacher. Repeating a mantra can be a spiritual practice, it can be a meditation, it can soothe, heal and change the way you feel, think and are.

It is recommended not to share your malas with other because the more you use them, the more they are charged with your energy. I do have some that I share with students, yet these are not the mala that I use for personal practice.

Why 108 beads?
There are many reasons that the number 108 is considered sacred. SwamiJ has a substantial list if you are interested.

Desire Mapping Mala

I have heard criticism of people, yogis (someone who practices yoga) in particular, using malas in ways that take away their sacred standing in spiritual practice. My personal feeling is that people can use a mala is any way that is appropriate for them. 

How can you use a mala?
1. To keep track of chanting a mantra; practicing japa mantra. 
2. To identify and place yourself within a particular group. Some religious people where their beads, mala, rosary, etc. around their neck to identify themselves with their religion or spiritual practice.
3. As a lovely piece of jewelry. Malas are beautiful works of art, simple or intricate. They can be worn around the wrist or neck. My favorite new mala is pictured here.

So the next time you see a yogi with beads wrapped around their wrist or hanging around their neck, you will know what they are.
#mala #108 #desiremapping

3 Steps to Make Your Spring Cleanse a Success

warming kichadi

Cleansing has been around for a long, long time and there are many ways a person can choose to cleanse. No matter what type of cleanse you are doing, these simple steps will help you succeed.

1. Be Prepared-write down what you're going to eat and to do for self-care. Think about each choice you make and decide if it really needs to happen and if it supports you. Make a shopping list, buy what's on the list, and prepare ahead of time what you can. Have some go to healthy snacks in the fridge, office and/or car.

2. Keep it Simple-one-pot recipes-soups, kichardi's, give yourself a couple of days to get ready, let go of addictions slowly, choose the right cleanse for you, stop eating before you are full, move slowly and be mindful of your choices.

3. Return to Your Regular Diet Slowly-Slowly add your regular food and drink into your diet. I encourage my students to journal while cleansing so they can observe what helps them to feel good and what does not. If you find that a food doesn't support you, don't eat it. I know, it's easier said than done. Many of us must prove to ourselves that we can or cannot eat something over and over before we finally do what feels best. After you've spent time feeling energetic, bright and amazingly healthy, you will notice very quickly what does not work for your system.

Just as every food, exercise or medicine does not work for every person, neither does every cleanse. I think I've tried most everything available over time. What works best for me is eating whole foods, in small quantities, prepared with love (hopefully with a bit of chanting). Eating local, organic, and well-cared for products supports a healthy diet. Making sure your environment and company are inviting and calm. Turning off the TV or other electronics enhances and soothes digestion.

Cleansing is about letting go of toxins, excess and rejuvenating so don't stress out. Choose a cleanse that is gentle, safe and supportive. Remember there is some truth in the statement, "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is." Be clear and realistic about your intentions and most of be gentle with yourself. We want to create healthy bodies, minds and lives. I'd love to hear about your experiences below.
#cleanse #keepitsimple #beprepared

My Favorite Beauty Blast

www.soulfulspoon.com

Getting ready for my Wake Up From Winter Spring Cleanse, people ask me for easy-to-make recipes. You can prepare greens ahead of time; pop it in the blender; and drink it up. Some people freeze their greens, yet I prefer not to. They will keep in the fridge for a number of days.

One of my favorites in the Spring is what I call:

Beauty Blast Smoothie adapted from Adina Niemerov's, Super Cleanse.

3 c baby spinach, kale or other dark leafy greens

2 c water or nut milk of your choice (depending on caloric needs)

1 medium apple, cored and quartered

1/2 c berries (blueberry, acai or others-fresh or frozen)

1 t flax oil

1 opened capsule of each Vitamin E, D and MSM (methylsulfonylmethane)

1 t Spirulina or green powder

1 t bee pollen

Dash of Himalayan salt

 

The most challenging part is gathering your ingredients. Once you have them, it's easy. 
Blend the greens with the liquid. Add the rest of the ingredients, blend and drink. It will keep in the fridge for a day or 2.

This smoothie is great for your healthy skin and general wellness. Drink up and share your favorite cleanse recipes and helpful hints below.
#cleanse #healthyskin