Traveling is a path to self discovery. It’s an escape from the routine to get to the root of my being. And when I travel I’m looking to learn something new about myself by way of new places and spaces. I tote my mala beads on all my journeys because they help me do just that.
Mala beads are prayer beads meant to help you set an intention and give you a tactical reminder to stay in the moment while meditating or praying. Here’s a more detailed explanation from the Mala Collective (where I chose my beads).
Travel begins with the journey. I wear my mala beads in transit. I run my the beads through my fingers to stay calm during the sometimes hectic paths of traveling: the busy airports, the stuffed plane quarters, the waiting game at baggage claim. The tactical process of placing each bead between two fingers keeps me present. It reminds me of the intention of my trip (and I set one every time).
Mala beads are a magnet for members of my tribe. Musicians, artists, bohemians, hippies and all the right people know exactly what you’re wearing around your neck and what it means. In my travels, I’ve met others with beads ‘round their neck which has led to great conversations. As they say, ‘your vibe attracts your tribe’ and mala beads radiate your good vibes, no matter where you are in the world.
I’m a fidgeter. I find myself twirling a pen in meetings or tapping my toes at the movies. It’s just what I do. Those in-between moments are just the time when I start to wonder where I am, why I’m here, and what on earth I’m doing. Now, my fingers find my mala beads and fidget my way around 108 beads. It helps me to focus on what’s important: the discovery of new persons and places; the self understanding.
My mala beads remind me to breathe; to be in the here and now; to take in this moment. This is an incredibly important reminder when I’m traveling. I want to be able to soak up every second. There are times when I get so excited about the ‘what next’ and ‘where to’ that I lose the present. Mala beads bring me back to deep breathing and noticing my body and spirit in that place and time.
Maybe it’s not mala beads, but you may want to consider your own calling card of sorts that will help guide you on your travels. Mala beads (or something similar) may help to set good intentions along your journeys.
Some of my favourite sources to buy your own set of mala beads:
Canadian companies offering up heart, soul and good intentions.