Hey! I finally got around to creating some new pieces from my broken mala. The story about how it broke and what it means can be found here. It took me a while to decide what I wanted to do. Initially I put the beads that had fallen on the ground into a glass bottle and had it on my meditation altar, which was one of the suggestions that I had read… but I wasn’t satisfied. I wanted to create something more. In my previous post I mentioned a keyring and a necklace, and I definitely still had those things on my mind.
I really loved that mala, what it meant, and the comfort it gave me during what has been a very difficult time for me. The breaking of the mala meant that I supposedly didn’t “need” it anymore, and it can symbolise a break in a cycle of suffering or a spiritual breakthrough. It can be seen as something positive; that I have made some progression. I certainly do feel that although I was devastated at the time, I was making great progress with my recovery from severe burnout. However, that mala did represent all of my intentions and hopes so I wanted to honour it and keep it in some way.
I’ve read that some people re-fashion their broken malas into bracelets or smaller necklaces. I also wanted to share some of the beads with my family in the hope that they too may benefit from the comfort and powers the crystal beads gave me.
I found some mini glass bottles with cork tops at a local shop. I filled four of them with some beads from my mala to give to my parents and two sisters. With the remaining beads I kept 8 for my own mini glass bottle and made the necessary attachments so that it can hang from a long sterling silver chain as a necklace. I then made 3 bracelets; for myself and for my two sisters. We all have similar sized (tiny!) wrists so that makes things easy. Lastly I love the tassel and wanted to make a keyring with it. I removed the guru bead because it has three holes and didn’t look quite right for the keychain. Then I added a few more beads and made the attachment with some wire, crimpers and split rings so that I could attach it to the keychain.
The guru bead and remaining few beads are at my meditation altar. They say that making smaller items from a broken mala is a reminder of the “journey” and work you put into yourself, as well as the benefits and blessings you received from wearing the mala. I certainly will be wearing my bracelet and necklace to remember fondly the very first mala I’ve ever owned and how protected and comforted it made me feel. The sadness of breaking it is gone – I know that with the breaking of the mala, my intentions and prayers have been released to the Universe and hopefully life will start to get a bit better. I feel like that already.
Take care,
Miko xx
