Finding moments of peace and mindfulness can be challenge AF. One amazing tool that has worked for me in aiding meditation and promoting a sense of serenity is the mala. In this post, we will explore what malas are, why you might consider using one, how to use it effectively, their significant role in spiritual practices and how to care for them.

What is a mala?

A mala is a string of beads, intentionally created using natural materials such as gemstones, wood, or seeds, often featuring a larger “guru bead” and a tassel. These beads have been used for hundreds of years in various spiritual traditions, including Buddhism and Hinduism, as a tool for meditation, prayer, and mindfulness. The word “mala” is derived from the Sanskrit word for “garland,” reflecting the way they are strung together.

What is the significance of 108?

108 is a sacred number woven through many yogic, Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Often it represents wholeness, spiritual connection, and the relationship between the individual and universe. This is why traditionally a mala contain 108 beads and why mantras or affirmations are sometimes chanted 108 times.

While the roots are deeply cultural and spiritual, I personally believe you do not need to belong to any particular group of people or tradition to tap into and connect with the intentionality of the practice. Creating and using malas with 108 beads can be an incredibly practice of mindfulness, devotion, repetition, and intention. Each bead offers you the chance to return to your self, while gently reminding you that your practice isn’t about rushing towards an outcome but simply creating the space and place to remain present.

Why would I want to use a Mala?

  1. Focus and concentration: Holding a mala acts as a physical anchor for your meditation practice. As you move each bead through your fingers, it works as a single pointed focal point to keep your mind focused and lessen the chance of wandering. Personally I like to lightly squeeze each bead as I move through, spending a moment with each one.
  2. Mindfulness: Using an mala encourages a sense of mindfulness by allowing you to stay present in the moment. The physical sensation of the bead, the smoothness or cooler tempature, or even the actual healing properties of the stone used in its creation.
  3. Affirmations and Intentions: A mala can be created with specific gemstones or beads that resonate with your intentions, affirmations or desired healing properties.

How to choose a mala from SacredStudio108?

When receiving a mala from SacredStudio108 specifically, selection can happen a few different ways.

  1. Either by choosing based what you are naturally drawn to, often times this is more of an aesthetic selection.
  2. If you happen to find me at an event or stumble on a blog post, you have the opportunity to review a write up about the energetic properties and intentions of each mala and choose based on what calls to you-that way.
  3. Or I offer a custom offerings where we review you and what makes up your unique energetic design and then I create based on where you’re looking to balance, expand, or even create boundaries in your life.

How to use my mala?

  1. Find a Quiet Space: Choose a peaceful and quiet environment where you won’t be disturbed.
  2. Set Your Intention: Before you begin, set a clear intention or focal point for your practice. This could be a word, a mantra, or an affirmation.
  3. Hold the Mala: Start at the guru bead (the larger bead) and hold it between your thumb and middle finger. Place your intention in your mind.
  4. Count Your Beads: Move from bead to bead, reciting your mantra, affirmation or word as you move through each one. Use your thumb to pull the bead toward you moving to the next one.
  5. Complete the Circuit: Continue until you reach the guru bead. If you wish to continue your practice once you have made it to the other end of your mala, turn the mala around and continue in the opposite direction rather than pass over the guru bead.


What type of mala does SacredStudio108 offer?

Generally speaking I like to create gemstone malas. Unless you specifically ask for a wooden or seed mala, what I’m typically creating is a natural gem stone mala. I enjoy working with stone and I think being able to tailor each creation to specific intentions, aliments, chakras or healing properties is a beautiful thing. If you are interested in seeing samples of malas I’ve created in the past or may have currently available check out my Instagram, Etsy, or Facebook Group.

How do I cleanse & charge my mala?

Cleansing and charging your mala beads is an important practice that can help maintain their positive energy and keep them aligned with your intentions. Malas are often used in meditation and prayer, and cleansing and charging them can enhance their spiritual significance. Here’s a guide on how to do it:

Cleansing/Clearing my mala beads:

  1. Smoke Cleansing (Smudging): Use smoke from herbs like sage, cedar, or palo santo to cleanse your mala. Light the herb bundle or loose herbs and let the smoke dance around your mala beads. As you do this, set the intention to clear any negative energy. This is a great option for gemstone beads like selenite, lepidolite, malachite, lapis lazuli, sodalite, hematite, fluorite, angelite, or pyrite.
  2. Saltwater Bath: Fill a bowl with purified water and add a pinch of mineral salt. Immerse your mala beads in the water for a few hours or overnight. Rinse them afterward to remove any residual salt. The saltwater cleanses and purifies the energy. Your mala can also be worn into fresh and saltwater bodies of water, but please be mindful of the water quality. I’m personally not wearing my mala into the water at the Jersey shore but would wear it into Terwilliger Hot Spring in OR . When in doubt, opt for the purified water and mineral sale option.
  3. Sound Cleansing: Use sound to cleanse your mala. You can ring a Tibetan singing bowl, use a bell, or simply bring them along to a sound bath you may already be going to. The vibrations help clear the energy.
  4. Moonlight Cleansing: Place your mala beads under the light of the full moon overnight. The moon’s energy is believed to cleanse and rejuvenate the beads. Make sure to retrieve them before sunrise.

Charging Your Mala Beads:

  1. Sunlight Charging: Place your mala beads under the morning sunlight for a few hours. The sun’s energy can charge and revitalize the beads. However, be cautious with this method, as prolonged exposure to direct sunlight may fade certain types of beads and or strings. Beads such as amethyst, fluorite, citrine, smoky quartz, aventurine, lepidolite, celestine, aquamarine, or sodalite should avoid prolonged exposure.
  2. Moonlight Charging: My favorite way of charging! Charging up my crystals under a full moon while making moon water is a whole vibe. I’m sure my nextdoor neighbor think we are nuts but it’s the best! Typically I’ll lay down a scarf and bring out all of my crystals and a glass 1/2 gallon jar of filtered water to infuse.

Timing: The best time to cleanse and charge your mala beads is typically when you feel a need for it, such as after a period of heavy use or when they start to feel energetically heavy. You can also do this during significant spiritual moments, such as during a full moon or a specific ritual or ceremony.

Remember that the most important aspect is your intention and belief in the process. Trust your intuition and connect with your mala on a personal level to make the cleansing and charging process meaningful.

After cleansing and charging your mala beads, it’s a good practice to store them in a clean and sacred space, such as an altar or a special pouch, to maintain their positive energy and protect them from negative influences.

Malas are more than just beautiful accessories; they are powerful tools that can help you deepen your meditation and mindfulness practice. By using a mala with intention and purpose, you can cultivate a sense of peace, balance, and connection to your spiritual path. Whether you choose receive a mala from SacredStudio108 or not, this is an amazing tool that you can incorporate into your journey toward greater self-awareness and tranquility.

Thank you for being here,

XO SamanthaJade @SacredStudio108