The Comfort of my Mala

“Why must people kneel down to pray? If I really wanted to pray I’ll tell you what I’d do. I’d go out into a great big field all alone or in the deep, deep woods and I’d look up into the sky—up—up—up—into that lovely blue sky that looks as if there was no end to its blueness. And then I’d just feel a prayer.” 
~ L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

It’s been a harrowing ten days for me. Lots of family drama involving multiple family members, illness, tests, surgery, hospitals, worry and responsibility.

Things are finally settling down, and so it is only now that I can feel into how exhausted I am. Physically and emotionally it has been extremely tough. And so this morning at 4am, when I woke ready to meditate, nothing would come.

Nothing would come but I could feel how deep my need was for connection and solace.

In the dark my hands reached for my bag beside the bed. I felt for my Mala beads and gently lifted them up into my lap, and then my fingers found their way to the guru bead and my start position, and as easily as breathing I began to calm, my fingers working the beads, my worries and exhaustion falling away.

I have used Mala beads in meditation now for nearly forty years. Still they teach me. Still they open new places inside me, and in my awareness and knowledge.

Even holding or wearing my Mala brings me peace.

Soon I will teach my next retreat, showing each student how to craft their own Mala. Showing their own fingers how to seek out and hold each bead. Showing them how to connect with and use their Mala for prayer, for meditation, for manifestation, for connection to self and soul and all that is.

The idea of that sharing filled my weary heart this morning, bringing me comfort and inner expansion. I finished my meditation with a deep calm and a renewed energy.

Praying the Mala is one of the most restorative practices I know, and I’m so grateful to have this in my toolkit.

I said a prayer for you all this morning too, that you connect with your dreams and inner wisdom this week, and that your creative projects and life direction make themselves known to you. It’s a magical week for that kind of energy.

Biggest love and hugs to you, Nicole ❤ xx