12/13/2025
Your Holiday Stress Survival Kit: The Power of Mala Beads
The holiday season is a beautiful time, but let's be honest—it’s also a marathon of to-do lists, crowded stores, and family obligations that can leave your nervous system frazzled.
If you’re looking for a simple, portable tool to ground yourself and reclaim your center in the chaos, reach for your mala beads.
What is a Mala?
A mala is a string of 108 beads traditionally used in meditation to count breaths or mantras. It's not just jewelry; it’s an anchor for your attention.
Why Use Them During the Holidays?
Instant Focus: When your mind starts racing over shopping lists or awkward conversations, simply holding the beads pulls your attention back to the present moment.
Repetitive Calm: Moving your thumb over each bead establishes a repetitive, rhythmic movement—a natural soothing mechanism for the "fight or flight" response.
Mindful Pause: It forces you to take a non-negotiable mental break, even if only for 60 seconds, which can prevent overwhelm.
How to Practice:
Hold the mala in one hand. Starting next to the Guru bead (the large center bead), use your thumb to gently pull the first bead toward you. Close your eyes and repeat a simple phrase like, “I am calm,” or “Breathe in, breathe out.” Move to the next bead and repeat.
Make your mala your holiday grounding tool! Give yourself the gift of presence this year.
Reach out to learn more about how we can help you strenthen your practice! Yoga Teacher Trainings are starting again soon.
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