Stringing Meaning

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My friend credited her passing of a very important test to her mini mala and the luck it brings.

Another friend was devastated when she had to take her charm & magic bracelet off in order to take her very important test. She couldn’t bear to part with it, as the beads around her wrist became a part of who she was – they went everywhere with her. The next time she took the test she hid her bracelet in her sock and did wonderfully!

Isn’t it funny the meaning we pair with objects?

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I’ve always had little trinkets and jewels that became so heavily layered with meaning – and I still do. These symbols make me feel safe and supported, especially in challenging times. Right now they consist of 4 bracelets I made that remind me of my creativity + expressivity, my grandma’s locket that I wear when I want to feel connected to her, and my mala beads that I use to when I want to feel grounded or when I want to practice gratitude in a grand way.

Both of my friends really passed their tests because of their incredible brains, and I can feel creative, connected, grounded, and grateful without any of my jewels… but a little extra magic certainly doesn’t hurt.

Would LOVE to hear about the special items you don’t leave home without and cherish like they are made of gold. Leave in the comments below! SO nice to hear different ideas.

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Craving Specificity

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I make mini malas – a necklace strung with 108 beads and a unique charm. They are a playful spin on the traditional japa mala, which is used for meditation and prayer. They are smaller, and might be slightly more fashionable than they are functional. They are asymmetrical. They are handmade.

These mini malas have become a physical representation of my love for yoga + spirituality and my desire to express myself and make things. I create these necklaces as a tool for people to be able to connect with themselves in a world that is moving so incredibly fast.

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Lately, I have been unearthing a lot of questions and I am craving answers regarding my business and my general life purpose… you know the usual. I wonder how I want these mini malas to live in this world – in the most meaningful way possible.

I wonder…

  • How can these mini malas add the most value in people’s lives?
  • How can they be packaged beautifully, functionally, and eco-conciously? 
  • Where can they be so the people who would love them most will find them.  

If you have ANY insights, any questions of your own, or anything else that comes to mind I’d LOVE to hear from you. Like really love it. And if you’d like to see if anything catches your eye in my online shop – you can click here.

So I will be sitting here with uncertainty, waiting for answers to reveal themselves and continuing to wish that these mini malas support people to find peace and presence within their days. Thanks so much for reading and sharing whatever thoughts you might have!

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Petals & Berries: Full Moon Magic

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I’ve felt a strong connection to the moon ever since I went into labor on the night of a full moon.  I have been paying attention to its phases and (thanks to this post by Gala Darling) I have been creating my own full moon ceremonies.  Gala totally demystified the whole idea of a ceremony – it can be anything you want it to be with just a bit of extra attention and intention.  I follow her cues and add a little touch of my own and here is what I do:

  • light a candle
  • take a few mindful breaths
  • chant or say a mantra
  • write a gushing gratitude list
  • pull a card from this deck
  • write down something that I want to let go of and then rip the paper up into many, many pieces

I end with a wish.  Raw chocolate always follows.

I’ve done it solo, and last month I made my husband and in-laws participate (they didn’t really have much of a choice, but I think they liked it).  This month I think I’ll incorporate these petals and berries in some way, because why not?

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I’m certainly no expert about the moon, but my very wise friend, Alaina, said it best – the moon has such a big effect on water and we are made of mostly water, so how can we NOT be affected?

Take a look at Gala’s detailed post on how you can make your own magic on the full moon (which is Saturday, July 12th) and let me know what you come up with!

P.S. The picture above was inspired by the amazing work of Phillipa Stanton – who is worth adding to your Instagram feed @5ftinf.

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In Between

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Life happens in the snuggles, the walks, the grocery shopping, the train rides.  The stuff in between the graduations, the birthdays, the weddings, the babies, the vacations.  Life is in the hydrangeas turning pink, the quiet cups of coffee, the mouse that scurried past me on the sidewalk, kids playing in the park.

Life is in the small things, the things that fill every day.

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I am keeping my eyes open to see how really special and magical they are.

“The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.” ― W.B. Yeats

 

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What You Focus On Expands

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“It is gratitude that expands my ability to receive beauty in my life.” – Oriah

When I focus on all the wonder in my life I am significantly happier. Life seems easier and sparklier when I write mini gratitude lists or jot down the magic that exists in my days.

Example: I am grateful for morning runs, Luca naps, muesli with chocolate, and quiet mornings.  I’m grateful for rain showers, loud booms of thunder, and the picture of a rainbow my brother sent me via What’s App.  I’m thankful for unicorn stickers, handmade stamps, fresh lavender, and homemade cookies.

Result: Ahhhhhh……

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Sometimes I forget this super simple practice and my life then reflects it.

When I have a clear space to write down highlights from the day life gets even sweeter.

Find a place where you can keep a growing list of all things that are awesome. Moleskines rock.  I love my gratitude journal.  And I’m starting a magic log in a mini-notebook.

Start with the basics.  Let it ramble.  Let the words tumble out.

Write in the morning.  Write at the end of the day.  Find a time and just write anyway.

 

 

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