Malas are used for keeping count while reciting, chanting, or mentally repeating a mantra or the name or names of a deity. This sādhanā (practice) is known in Sanskrit as japa. Malas are typically made with 18, 27, 54 or 108 beads. In Tibetan Buddhism, malas of 108 beads are used.
Hold your mala in your right hand, draped between your middle and index fingers. Starting at the guru bead, use your thumb to count each smaller bead, pulling it toward you as you recite your mantra. Do this 108 times, traveling around the mala, until you once again reach the guru bead. There are many theories behind the significance of the number 108, which has long been considered a sacred number in Hinduism. In my research and learnings, I have been taught that the number 1 stands for God, the universe or your own highest truth; 0 stands for emptiness and humility in spiritual practice; and 8 stands for infinity and timelessness. How do I choose the right Male for my journey? I think the most important element in choosing your mala is connecting it to the intention(s) that you are looking to manifest. Your intention is personal to your journey and only you can decide the goals you are working to accomplish. You may be looking to attract more abundance, find a soul mate or live a more calm and balanced life. Ask yourself questions like: What do I want to create in my life? What am I working on professionally, emotionally or spiritually? What am I struggling with or challenged by? If you aren’t clear on your intention, these questions should help guide you. You can choose a Mala based on the gemstones and their special meanings. Mala beads are made with semi-precious gemstones and crystals that each have their own individual vibrations. So if your intention is to find more love, that aligns to an energy of a specific gemstone, you would choose a Rose quartz and Green Aventurine Mala. There are so many possibilities with intentions and gemstones. When this energy aligns with your intention it amplifies and supports you in manifesting your desires! Can I wear my Mala? YES!!!! There is real power in physically wearing your intention. It makes your goal(s) feel tangible at every moment. Each time you catch a glimpse of your mala, feel its weight on your chest, or absentmindedly play with it, you are reminded to stay focused on your chosen path and connect with your intention. My Mala is made with Andradite Garnet (keeping my grounded as I work at becoming my truest self)) and African Turquoise which I choose because they govern my intuition and foresight, My Third Eye Chakra
BODY
Yoga Reduces Pain Reduces Heart Risks Boosts Immune System Lowers Blood Pressure Eases Inflammation MIND Increases Grey Matter Cultivates Will Power Builds Focus and Concentration Boosts Cognitive Function Builds Self Knowledge Helps Relationship Satisfaction Increases Compassion and Empathy BODY&MIND Improves Depression Physically Changes the Brain MIND & SPIRIT Reduces Loneliness Cuts emotional Reactivity BODY & SPIRIT Fosters a Positive Self Image BODY, MIND & SPIRIT Eases Stress and Anxiety Promotes Better Sleep When our Root Chakra is UNBALANCED we are ungrounded and unfocused. We feel insecure, unsafe and unpredictable. We may feel angry, and are quick to react negatively. We may feel disconnected with friends, family or lovers. Fear and anxiety may rule the day! This unbalancing may manifest itself in lower back pain and/or an unhealthy body image. In addition, an overabundance of this Chakra, living egotistically, being too confident, having excess energy may lead to an unbalance as well. It may also lead to overeating, food addictions and cravings. (You can also be underweight when this Chakra is unbalanced). It is important to work on this Chakra first as it is here that the basic survival needs are being met; food, shelter, physical and emotional safety. So what can we do when our ROOT CHAKRA is out of wack? 1. The Root Chakra is represented with the color red, so wearing or focusing on RED will bring your mind back to its awareness. Every time you see the color, take a deep breath, and imagine this red ball of energy rotating at the base of your spine, flowing down your legs to your feet, grounding you to the EARTH. 2. Get back to nature and take a walk, being mindful of your breath, your breathing. Sit in the Lotus position and meditate. Reset to nothingness and just be. Gently push all thoughts away and think about breathing, and think about grounding yourself to the EARTH, the element of the ROOT CHAKRA. 3. Becoming less "Reactive" takes a lot of practice. Before you do this it is important to understand and accept where your negative emotions come from, and from when they occurred. Practice being proactive instead of reactive. Practice listening to "listen" and not to react. 4. Sex, a base biological need, will help reset your Root Chakra. Your body is seeking an outlet for excess sexual energy. Any kind of physical activity will do...Yoga, Asanas. Try the yoga pose legs up the wall or any other grounding yoga pose like mountain, elephant, downward dog, warrior I and II, and standing wide-leg forward bend. Exercise in any form will also help create that positive body image you need to be balanced in this Chakra. 5. Try earthy Essential Oils like patchouli, cedarwood, sandalwood, thieves, and/or frankincense to heal and balance your root chakra. 6. Play in the dirt and plant a garden. Or eat your root veggies. These include berries, red peppers beans, potatoes, rainbow chard, beets. 7. Don't forget your ROOT CHAKRA AFFIRMATIONS, previously posted on this blog! Once you have BALANCED your Root Chakra you will feel safe and secure. You will feel grounded and act with confidence. You will feel positive and have good energy. Your anxiety and fear abate and your mood stabalizes. You will trust more in the decisions you have to make as well as the relationships you are building with others. Caring for your body is paramount in this Chakra to provide a positive self image, as doing so will help you balance the other Chakras. NAMASTE |
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