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February Meditation Challenge

Meditating with a mala

Meditating with a mala. Photo by James Martin.

For those of you who see me regularly, you might notice I am almost always wearing a mala around my wrist. What is the purpose of a mala? They are beautiful reminders to breathe, to meditate during down time, and to stay committed to the intention set for the day. My most recent use of the wrist mala is as follows: Sit in a comfortable position. Take a full inhale and a complete exhale for each bead present (21 for the wrist). It sounds easy, but for me it is not. I have not completed the mala yet! To keep my mind fully occupied on each breath for 21 breaths is an enormous challenge, and I have decided to give it a try each day at least once for the month of February.

Are you up for the challenge? You don’t need to have a mala to practice, and you could even tie 21 knots in a string. Can you complete 21 deep and purposeful breaths and stay engaged in what you are doing? Keep me posted!