What is a Mala?

What is a mala?

We all are working on something in our lives. The mala is a tool, a reminder of the creative healing power within each of us.

Flourish intentional malas reflect the energy of wellness. The spiritual energy held in the jewelry supports you to move mindfully forward by filling your space with the vitality of wholeness.     

A mala is a string of gemstone beads that can be used in meditation to count intentions, mantras, prayers, or breaths. A full mala contains 108 counting beads, plus one guru bead. The larger guru bead (also called the teacher) symbolizes a transformation from darkness to light. It marks the starting and ending point of the mala. A truly authentic mala is made with one continuous piece of string and the tassel is connected to the end of the guru bead to finish the mala with a final knot. 

Why 108 beads?

The number 108 has a powerful significance in the wholeness of existence. In the Universe, the diameter of the sun is 108 times the diameter of Earth. There are 108 letters in the Sanskrit alphabet, 108 holy sites in India, and 108 energy lines throughout the body that all converge and connect at the heart chakra.

No matter the number of beads, or the design components, the true essence of intentional mala jewelry is symbolic. It is a tangible item that represents a desire, filled with an energy that you can utilize to further connect to your powerful heart. The spiritual energy held in the jewelry supports your sense of wholeness.

How do you choose a mala?

The right mala will resonate with you. Allow your intuition to guide you. Flourish offers custom malas created specifically for individual intentions.

How do you use a mala?

The mala can be worn as a necklace, bracelet or placed in a special spot in your home as a visual reminder of what you want to manifest in your life. To gain the most benefit from a mala it is used in meditation, called Japa meditation.

What is Japa meditation?

Japa is the meditative repetition of a mantra or intention. The mantra or intention can be spoken aloud or within your mind. A mala is used to count the repetitions. The meditation is generally performed sitting but can also done standing or walking.

What is a mantra?

A mantra translates to instrument of the mind. It is categorized as part of the 6th limb of yoga, Dharana, known as concentration. A repeated mantra helps keep you in the present moment and hold onto positive thoughts. The power of the mantra is in the vibration and resonance that is created through the ritual. Remember you are communicating with the energy of God/Universe/Source/Your Higher Power at all times. A mantra is an affirmation declaring that which you desire. Your mantra can be whatever word or series of words feels right for you.

What are the benefits of Japa Meditation?

As with all meditation styles, Japa meditation benefits include lower blood pressure, reduced anxiety, improved sleep, increased focus, and a deeper sense of self-realization. The silence of meditation, in any form, is a heart-centered path that allows you to access your intuition at a deeper level. 

MALA TESTIMONIALS

“Thank you for creating a mala bracelet for my friend. The moment I gave it to her she cried in joy and was grateful. Your energy and love created an amazing moment.”

“I am blown away by the mala!!! I absolutely love it. And you nailed the stones and the meaning, magnificent!!!”

“The beads came!!! They’re beautiful and I feel like lots has already changed since our one distance session. My intention is ringing true. Thank you again!”

“I cried when I opened it! It’s so beautiful, so so perfect. You are clearly exceptionally talented! Thank you doesn’t seem like enough.”

“Allison, the mala bracelet is perfect! You listened about my friend’s perception of her struggles and nailed depicting her talent. It is beautifully done, which I knew it would be! Thank you, thank you!”

“After seeing and holding the mala you created for my wife, I wasn’t expecting that you could create one equally stunning and truly personalized. “Grounded Expansion” is simply awesome. You intuitively choose my favorite colors. You can certainly add this craft and skill to the list of talents that are uniquely yours. Thank you so much for these two wonderful, powerful and truly unique creations.”

“I absolutely love meditation with my mala. It is such a beautiful tool to hold, look at and guide me through my mantras.”

“I wear my bracelet every day and whenever I look at it, I say Peace and Calm and it’s so very grounding to me.”

“It’s like wearing heaven on your wrist. You feel it radiate everywhere. Truly powerful. Love it!!!”

My Story

I experienced a recurring cycle of autoimmune disease starting in my late teens. First I experienced stage 4 endometriosis, then autoimmune-based infertility, followed by Epstein Barr, mono, two mystery autoimmune diseases, and IBS. For over 15 years, I worked with several acupuncturists to reduce painful symptoms of endometriosis, support fertility, and strengthen my immune system. In all instances, I found relief and healing. Although the work did not lead to a pregnancy, acupuncture and Chinese herb treatments helped me heal abnormal fibrous tissue growth outside of my uterus and eliminate painful symptoms of endometriosis. The most transformative physical healing that I have experienced is the result of biofield spiritual healing that eliminated my autoimmune illness pattern. In addition to the physical healing, the energetic shift offered emotional and mental lightness. 

The whole health transformation fascinated me. I spent the next two years studying to become a certified Energy Medicine practitioner through the Healing Touch Program.   

My first set of mala beads were purchased the day I graduated from the Healing Touch Energy Medicine program. I found them an artist co-op in Asheville, North Carolina. I had no knowledge about this jewelry piece I was acquiring to celebrate a long-awaited day, except that my roommate during the final training weekend wore a string of 108 gemstones. I thought the necklace looked like a fashionable accessory someone on a spiritual journey ought to wear. What surprised me instantly was how the mala made me feel when I wore it. I researched the meaning behind the stones and found they carried the energy of compassion, peace, and comfort —the same energy I felt when in contact with the mala. It was during this time that I had started studying joy. That project had me returning to the bead store, and beginning to make jewelry again. Creating a mala felt like the perfect blend of my true self expression: jewelry + energy + intention.