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How to Use Prayer Beads

Prayer is a time to protect the mind. When you are ready to allow the noisy world to fade into the background, this is a very good time to pick up your prayer beads and fill your mind with blessed thoughts. When entering a state of prayer, one can awaken innate goodness, kindness, serenity, all virtue, joy, and a peaceful heart.

Prayer beads originally were devised to help people to keep track of repetitive devotions. They enabled one to pray while doing routine jobs and between activities. In the very earliest times, prayers were marked by dropping little pebbles one by one on the ground.

The Prayer
May my body be strong, relaxed and healthy
May my mind be calm and serene
And may my heart be filled with love.

How to Use These Prayer Beads

Each strand consists of three primary, larger beads surrounded by smaller complimentary beads. They vary in length from 4-5 inches to as long as 17-18 inches.

Holding onto the first large bead, repeat the first line of the prayer and think of what it means to you today – in This Moment.

Next, move down to the second large bead and repeat the second line of the prayer, repeating the process.

Finally, move down to the last large bead representing the heart bead and fill your thoughts with taking good care of yourself. Or, you may consider devoting this prayer to someone who is in need of loving kindness. You may even consider presenting them with prayer beads of their own.

Other Ways to Use the Prayer Beads

There are ways you can use your prayer beads for present-moment practice. Here are a few suggestions:

Beginning a New Day

Each morning when you wake up, reach for your prayer beads. Let the texture awaken your fingers, and allow this vitality to permeate your entire body. Now you are ready to set your intentions for the day. These can include anything you would like to emphasize: listening to people more carefully, telling the truth, being grateful for small things. As you make your way through your day, touching the beads will return you to your initial intentions.

Walking in the Present Moment

As you move from place to place during the day, use these moments to acknowledge the transition between tasks. Bring your beads into the palm of your hand, and let their texture remind you to feel your feet on the floor and take a breath, feeling both the inhalation and exhalation. You might have your beads tucked away in your pocket, or, you might wear your strand on a leather thong around your neck. Be creative in ways to make your prayer beads accessible to you.

Grounding Practice

During important conversations or even thinking about things by ourselves, we can find ourselves getting caught up in "what was" and "what if." You can use your beads to ground you when you find yourself worrying about the past or the future. When things get difficult, take up your beads and allow their pleasing weight to bring you into the present moment. You will then be able to see more clearly into the current situation. By remaining grounded in the present, you will be more open to listening and accepting life as it is, rather than as you wish it to be.

Ending the Day

When you are in bed and ready for sleep, pick up your beads and let their texture resonate in your body. As you rediscover each bead passing through your fingers, let yourself feel grateful for your day. It's also important to recognize the pain we might have caused or experienced. By acknowledging the truth of who we are, we can change and grow. As you approach sleep, breathe in and out with an awareness of your body. As you breathe in, focus on your toes, and on the exhalation, relax them. Continue breathing and moving up your entire body until you reach to the top of your head. It's perfectly okay to fall asleep while you are moving up the entire length of your body.

Sharing With Another Perhaps there is someone you know who might benefit from the prayer beads. These beads could also be a gift – an action of thoughtful kindness – to show you care.

May your prayer beads bring your peace.
Namaste'

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For more information or to order, please contact Charlotte Ranz at info@redelephantyoga.com.

History of Prayer Beads