I had spent some time researching the different stones I would use in the mala, and with the assistance of Jacky I settled on howlite, rhodochrosite, hematite, a lotus seed for the guru bead, and a labradorite Buddha head strung on light aqua thread.
Read this site for a briefer run-down of stone properties.
I have been bringing my mala to my yoga classes, setting it along the back edge of my mat to absorb the energy of my practice. I can feel that it serves as a constant reminder of my intention for each practice, which lately has been "no negative self talk, be present and grateful that your body can move." This morning, I wore it to one of my favorite classes. The instructor is incredible, her classes are always challenging yet comforting, and she is just a lovely human being. I'm also a sucker for humor and wisdom. For the first time, I decided to wear my mala during savasana, and at one point my breathing became: inhale "let", exhale "go". I allowed the weight of my mala to allow the weight of my body to let go, melt into the mat, and savored the beautiful energy we (my classmates and I) created during our practice. It was definitely a moving practice, nearly moving me to tears - lots of hip openers! This was also the first time I wore my mala out and about after a yoga class. Typically I've been going straight home and to take my mala off, to avoid letting it touch any yucky toxic or negative thoughts/feelings. Today, I felt that I was ready to try and be...hmm, I suppose be present and positive? I found myself a couple of times going to a place of being judgmental; as my friend and I sat at our tight table in SweetGreen, a girl standing in line had her elbow so in my bubble! I quickly paused and let that feeling go, replacing it with a thought such as, "girlfriend probably has no idea we're so close." And I let it go. Plus she moved further up in the line. Funny how our practice begins to seep into our daily lives.
We can't always be perfect, but maybe we are perfect the way we are always.
xx
S