More than just eye-catching accessories, malas are powerful tools for meditation thought to date back to eighth century BC in India. Each mala possesses exactly 108 beads, a significant number in the Hindu and Buddhist traditions, to keep count of mantras or breaths. But today’s malas are not only limited to spiritual practices: The necklaces can help wearers pursue mindfulness in their hectic lives or embrace a variety of healing qualities associated with specific gemstones.
“There’s no right or wrong way to choose a mala—the mala will choose you,” says Dina Gosselin, a mala master and founder of South Florida’s Be The Light Malas, who creates customized necklaces using semiprecious gemstones. “We are attracted to a certain stone for a reason. It might be a healing aspect or purpose.” Gosselin advises saging your mala and setting an intention. “A mala can become an important tool and a daily touchstone to remind you of the qualities you designed it to imbue.” Find her malas at Thrive Power Yoga in Palm Beach Gardens.
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