You might also like Mala beads for mindfulness.

Mala beads are a common item if you regularly meditate or practice Yoga.

A prayer bead, mala beads, is called Japa Malas or just malas. Many religions, including Hinduism and Catholicism, have used prayer beads over the centuries.

They are sometimes used today as a mindfulness aid, without any religious affiliation. Traditionally, they include 108 beads along with a Guru Bead. This is usually larger than the rest of the beads and has a tassel.

What are they able to help you with?

You can use mala beads to help with meditation. This is linked with a variety of health benefits. Meditation can reduce stress, improve sleep, and lower blood pressure.

Meditation isn’t easy. It can be difficult for many people to stop their minds from wandering, especially at the beginning. Mala beads are a great solution.

What can I do with them?

There are many ways to use mala beads during meditation. However, the best starting points for beginners are mantra repetition and breath control.

Controlling your breath

Meditation can be as simple as paying attention to your breath. You can also do it anywhere.

You can use mala beads to control your breath.

• You can hold your mala in one hand.
• Allow it to drape over your fingers so you can easily move it. Two fingers should be placed around the guru beads. As some religious traditions forbid the use of the index finger, many people use their thumbs and middle fingers.
• Take one full inhale (inhale, exhale).
• Move your fingers towards the next bead and breathe in and out once per bead.
• To complete 108 breaths, finish at the Guru Bead.
• You can do another round by oppositely moving your fingers until you reach the Guru Bead.

A mantra is repeated repeatedly.

A mantra can be a phrase, a word, or a sound that you use to focus your attention during meditation. There are many other mantras, including “Om”.

You can also make your mantra feel calming or reassuring. Depending on your current situation, your mantra could be “I’m calm”, “I’m safe,” or “I love you.”

Use mala beads to create a mantra. Follow the same steps as for controlling your breathing. Instead of inhaling and exhaling at each bead, you can repeat your mantra. It can be spoken in a whisper, sounded loud and clear, or recited mentally. Whatever feels most comfortable.

Choosing your beads

Malas are available in many styles and colors. You can make the beads from seeds, precious or semiprecious gemstones, wood, or any other material.

You’ll be using the mala to promote relaxation and calm. You must choose beads that you feel good about. There is no wrong or right choice.

Schmidt said, “Look for a mala which speaks to you.”

She suggests asking questions when looking at a particular mala.

• Do you feel it touch your skin?
• Does it look beautiful to you?
• Is it made from a seed or a stone that has special meaning to you?

If you answered “yes” to any of these, the mala would work for you.