How to Wear Meditation Beads & #SpreadTheKindness Link Up #284
Last month, I shared my Journey to Tranquility with Zen Spirit Malas where I featured my meditation beads (mala) that were created specifically for me by Katherine of Katherine’s Corner. The Shelbee Mala is available for sale on her website Zen Spirit Malas along with many other beautiful designs of meditation beads and spiritual jewelry. Katherine will also create custom meditation beads based on your personal needs.
I still haven’t gotten my regular meditation schedule set nor have I really practiced using my beads yet, but I have been wearing them often because I get this wonderful sense of peace and calm the moment I slip them around my neck. I find myself absentmindedly fondling the beads throughout the day which also generates feelings of tranquility and confidence.
Personal malas are wonderful tools for meditation and prayer. When you use them regularly along with a mantra, affirmation, or focus on a specific intention, it is believed that the beads absorb the vibrations of your practice through the acts of contemplation, intention, prayer, and repetition.
“Meditation is the Gateway, through which you Arrive at Tranquility“
~ Katherine Corrigan
Besides the wonderful benefits to your mind and spirit, mala beads also make really beautiful jewelry that can be styled in a variety of ways. I have been wearing my beads two to three times a week. The carnelian and tiger eye stones along with the mahogany colored tassel provide gorgeous neutral tones that work brilliantly with almost all of my summer clothing.
I recently found this adorable crochet dress at Charlotte Russe and the colors were perfect to showcase my mala beads by themselves. The first time I shared them, I left them long and layered them into a giant neck mess. By the way, I just love that phrase coined by Sally of Within a World of My Own for layering piles of necklaces around one’s neck. She always creates the prettiest neck messes, too! This time I wrapped the beads once around my neck to make a double stranded necklace. It also helps to shorten the length of the beads so they land in a more flattering place of your outfit.
This crochet mini dress really spoke to my bohemian heart when I first saw it and Jeff absolutely loved this dress on me. I ended up going back and getting another one in a pastel pink and blue colorway. I know I need to stop shopping at these fast fashion retailers but sometimes I just can’t resist the cuteness. I am trying to break the habit, I swear!
I added a sheer ivory kimono for sun protection along with my new favorite summer hat that I have been wearing frequently (here and here and you will see it again on Thursday). I dug out my old gladiator sandals from a few years ago and piled on a whole bunch of bracelets. I generally don’t wear bracelets or rings because they make me feel incredibly claustrophobic for some reason. But I always love the way Daenel of Living Outside the Stacks styles her bracelet stacks and so I took inspiration from her and gave it a try.
I have drawers filled with bracelets so it was easy enough to create a coordinating stack for this outfit. I have been managing to wear bracelet stacks recently without too much discomfort. But as soon as I have things to do that require using my hands like cooking, cleaning, typing, eating, or exercising, I ditch the bracelets. I really only wear them if I am going to just be sitting and it isn’t too hot or humid. If it’s too humid, I tend to only wearing earrings and possibly a single necklace. My mala beads are actually super comfortable on a humid day. They are lightweight and don’t cause my neck to sweat.
I feel like I have mastered the styling of meditation beads, now I need to master the meditation!
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Shelbee
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Outfit Details: Dress and Kimono-Charlotte Russe / Sandals-Target / Meditation Beads-c/o Zen Spirit Malas / Hat-Burlington Coat Factory / Earrings and Bracelets-Old
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
I am a midlife woman, wife, and stay-at-home mother of 2 boys and 2 cats. I have a passion for helping other women feel fabulous in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.
36 Comments
Nancy
That sure is a very pretty dress, I love the zigzag print. I’m like you about bracelets and rings. Only wear them when I go out. If I was married I wouldn’t even wear a wedding ring.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Nancy! I used to only wear my wedding ring when we went out. But now I don’t even bother at all. Rings are way more uncomfortable for me than bracelets are. So Jeff and I stopped wearing our wedding rings altogether a few years ago. I don’t even know if we know where they are! Haha.
xoxo
Shelbee
Christina Morley
That dress looks super cute on you! I’m glad you went back and bought another one. I totally understand about not wearing extra jewelry when it’s hot or when you’re working with your hands. Wishing a great summer!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Tina! I have the exact same kimono in pink as well so I might end up styling the other dress the same exact way!
xoxo
Shelbee
Michele Morin
I am also intrigued by the use of prayer beads so I dug up an old.post I wrote about them and shared it today.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Michele! I am still trying to learn about them so I am heading over to read your post now!
xoxo
Shelbee
Cheryl Shops
I love that you have a meditation-bead necklace named after you—that’s so cool!
Cheryl Shops | http://www.cherylshops.net
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Cheryl! It really makes me smile!
xoxo
Shelbee
Marsha Banks
Oh, now this look takes me back to my teenage years, Shelbee! We wore those zig zags on everything! I took a home ec class my Senior year. We had to have a big project so I made a zig zag afghan in…you guessed it…avocado, gold, and ivory! My son now has it on his couch…he’s very into the retro thing! And, believe it or not, that afghan only has a couple of holes in it!
I really need to look into the meditation thing, and those beads are gorgeous! I love Sally’s comment and will have to steal it, too! Plus, I totally agree with the way Daenel puts together those bracelets. I try and it just looks like I tried waaaaaay too hard!
Thanks, my friend, for the link party!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Marsha! Oh, I bet your zig zag afghan is so pretty and very retro cool! I still have my baby afghan that my mother crocheted when she was pregnant with me. It is pink, blue, and white in a zig zag pattern! She wrapped me in it the day she brought me home from the hospital and then I wrapped both of my boys in it when I brought them home! Sally and Daenel have definitely mastered the art of neck messes and bracelet stacks and I am inspired! Now if it would just cool down some so we can tolerate piles of jewelry!
xoxo
Shelbee
Maureen
I love this dress! The style is so pretty and the color way is stunning. You look great Shelbee! I hear you. I would stop buying fast fashion too but sometimes the style and price is justt right. I also don’t wear my rings that often. I used to before I had my son but since it would scratch him or get caught elsewhere I just don’t bother. The only time I’ll make sure to put them on is if we are going out. Btw, thank you so much for the feature! I know there are so many fabulous bloggers out there and I am honored that you chose me. Truly a fun surprise and made my day! I hope your week is off to a great start and happy Tuesday!
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Maureen, thanks so much! Fast fashion is a hard habit to break, isn’t it? The cuteness and price point often beat out my environmental consciousness. Maybe I need to be meditating on that! I hear you about jewelry catching on things and being problematic with young children. I didn’t wear much jewelry at all when the kids were babies. But now my sweet babies always gift me the best jewelry! I love your patchwork jumpsuit so much! It is so cute and it looks amazing on you! I hope you are enjoying the summer, my friend. And staying cool!
xoxo
Shelbee
Lizzie
I can’t believe I haven’t heard of this! I love meditating and will have to check this out.
Lizzie
http://www.lizzieinlace.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Lizzie! Oh my goodness, Katherine makes the most beautiful meditation beads! You should definitely check out her website and shop.
xoxo
Shelbee
Gail
Very interested to see you’re taking up meditation and will be interested to see how you get on. I enjoy guided meditation at the gym occasionally but I can’t seem to do it on my own. Love the crochet dress.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Gail! I do much better with guided meditation than doing it on my own. My problem right now is making the time for it. I can’t seem to stick to a routine in the summer with the kids home. They are very needy! That’s probably when I need the meditation the most, too! Haha.
xoxo
Shelbee
Jennifer
I should really get some meditation beads!
Jennifer
Curated by Jennifer
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Yes, you should! You should contact Katherine and have her design a custom set for you! I honestly do feel all of the good energy she infused into them every time I put mine around my neck!
xoxo
Shelbee
Patrick Weseman
Looking very nice and I was looking at some mediation beads the other day in a shop. I really might have to think about gettnig some.
Thanks for hosting and I hope that you have a wonderful week.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you, Patrick! I think meditation beads are a great thing to have even if you don’t wear them. You can put them in your pocket and use them like worry beads, too. They work for whatever purpose you choose to use them!
xoxo
Shelbee
Jessica A Jannenga
Oh, I love the colors in your knit mini dress! The peach brown and tan! And that you got another in a different colorwa.y. I do that if I really love something! The beads are just perfect with it as the sandals for that boho vibe. It’s always nice when the hubby takes note!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Jess! I really like these soft earthy tones in this dress, too. They add to the boho vibe, I think! It is such a great feeling to know that my husband still finds me attractive and enjoys my fashion choices after all these years!
xoxo
Shelbee
Carol
I remember your previous post about the malas made by Katherine. I checked out her site, and they are all beautiful! Your new dress, straw hat, and earth-tone bracelets are the perfect complements to the Shelbee mala. Thanks for hosting the link-up. And thank you for participating in Talent-Sharing Tuesdays Link-Up 25.
Carol
http://www.scribblingboomer.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Carol, thanks so much! Katherine really does beautiful work. She puts so much love and positive energy into her pieces and I really can feel it when I put my beads around my neck!
xoxo
Shelbee
Lovely
It is super cool to have meditation beads named after you. Love this crochet dress and it looks flaterrinig on you.
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Lovely! I am so honored to have these beads named for me!
xoxo
Shelbee
Joanne
You look fabulous! I can see why you popped in to buy that dress in another color… I tend to do that too when I find an article of clothing I really like. I also have a hard time wearing much jewelry if I’m going to be doing anything; epecailly in summer when you add in heat and humidity.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Joanne! I actually had not intended to get this dress in two colors but I had purchased a really cute sunflower print sundress but the straps broke the first time I put it on. Charlotte Russe doesn’t accept returns even on damaged products so I had to exchange it for something else! And now I have this dress in two colors!
xoxo
Shelbee
Laura Bambrick
You are rocking the crochet trend with that beautiful dress! I haven’t found the right piece for me yet, but it might be a bit boho for my typical vibe. I still admire it on others! Your meditation beads are so pretty!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Laura! There are so many trends that I admire on others but struggle to find something that fits my vibe. You’ll find the right thing for you, I’m sure! I bet you would rock a crochet sweater layered over a dress or even those cute crochet shorts with a simple tee or tank top.
xoxo
Shelbee
Michelle
I’m with Jeff – this is a beautiful outfit. I like the unusual colors of the dress and the mala beads worn with it. As someone who makes jewelry, I am acutely aware of how lovely stone beads feel in your fingers. That is one of the many reasons I enjoy making jewelry.
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Michelle! I thought the colors were really unique as well. That is probably what I was drawn to most. Well, also the cute hippie crochet style caught my attention! Stone beads really do feel wonderful. Ralph just got his first stone bead bracelet at our local farm market and now he wants more hippie jewelry! That makes my heart so happy.
xoxo
Shelbee
Alexandra
I am so in love with your dress! Pinning that for inspiration.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Aw, thanks so much, Alexandra! Have a wonderful weekend!
xoxo
Shelbee
Barbara
Too funny, Shelbee! I need to pray more, and I do, but I’m often just busy… Intentional is definitely a good word here. 😉 I love your prayer beads and they work great with your outfit! Years ago my father brought back a tiger’s eye ring from Okinawa for me. I wore it for years until my fingers grew too big (late teens) and somewhere along the way it got lost, but I still think about it. Amy and I went to a mall I have yet to share (the Gallerie Lafayette) there in Paris and we saw several really gorgeous long tiger eye beaded necklaces!! I told her about that ring…
Happy to have featured your post at this week’s Share Your Style #354 for you, as always!
Love and hugs and cute gladiator sandals!!! I wear a pair (and yes they went to France!) of short sandals that I think of as Roman sandals. They are worn out, have paint on them, but they can walk anywhere… Need to get them resoled, maybe that’s what I’ll do! 😉
Enjoy your weekend, friend,
Love and hugs,
Barb 🙂
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Aw, Barb, thanks so much! I love that story of your tiger’s eye ring. What a shame that it is lost! I had an authentic kimono from Vietnam that my mother had given to me that has been lost over the years and I still think about it and wish I still had it! So I can relate to your fond memory of that special ring. I finally got around to doing some intentional meditations with my mala beads and I am really enjoying it. It has much more purpose when I do the meditations with a dedicated intention. I try to do it in the morning right after I finish yoga as long as no one is awake yet and I can take advantage of the quiet. Thanks so much for featuring my post! It is always an honor!
xoxo
Shelbee