It's an unseasonably warm and beautiful November day in Moab Utah.  I've just begun an 8.7 mile bike ride surrounded by rugged red rock cliffs in a surreal desert landscape.  I should be basking in nature's beauty and drinking in each stunning vista, but instead I am frustrated and struggling to summit a steep rocky trail on my mountain bike. I'm only 15 minutes into the ride and I'm giving up on myself already.

Just a few wobbly moves and a stretch of walking my bike rather than riding it, and I'm ready to turn around and head back to the comfort of my air-conditioned, Trailside SUV.  "It's just not my day, it's OK, I can do this another time.  I'm tired and weak." are the thoughts that creep in now.  Then a hopeful smile emerged in my mind and although it felt futile at first, that seemingly little innervoice spoke up and said "I am Strong and Powerful". It was followed by one strong crank on my bike pedal thrusting me up the dreaded hill. Then it came again, "I am Strong and Powerful", followed by another strong crank on my pedal. By the third crank up the hill this simple phrase had become my mantra. Pedal, Mantra, Pedal, Mantra… All the way to the top.  My legs felt strong, my lungs capable, and my balance unwavered. I finished my (at first grueling and challenging) 8.7 mile bike ride with gas in the tank and the energy and motivation to continue beyond the trailhead.  

No energy bars or sports drinks pumped me up that hill. It was my own power of self-motivation and intention. When I had begun the journey I felt tired and weak, and those were exactly the words echoing in my mind as I labored up the rocky trail. I had recently studied the seven chakras and designed a jewelry collection with gemstones and charms to represent each of these chakras. The third chakra, known as the Solar Plexus Chakra represents strengh and willpower.  In this moment of desperation I dug deep, summoned my third chakra, and harnessed my own Power of Intention.

Reaching the top of HyMasa Trail (photo above) was rewarding and epic...it is one of the most scenic overlooks in Moab, UT.  Just like so many trails and trials in life, the view is worth the work.  

If you tell yourself you are tired and weak, you will be. Maybe it ties into our ego? We don't want to prove ourselves wrong, right? However, if you tell yourself you are strong and powerful, you will be… Exactly that. Our self-talk, innervoice, or whatever you want to call it, is working on us every moment, of every day. It is shaping our reality.

What is yours telling you? 

LINKS:

• Learn more about Setting Intentions Here
• Be Mindful of your own Strength & Power, browse Chakra Mala Necklaces or Chakra Bracelets

Seed Of Intention is excited to announce a special feature by Artsy Agnes, a well known influencer on social media!  

Agnes Muljadi is a  Los Angeles based vegan ballerina and social media influencer. She is known as @artsyagnes on Instagram with well over 130,000 fans. Agnes has collaborated with more than 100 brands including Starbucks, Macy's, Banana Republic, Lionsgate Studio, Lipton Tea, Google Photos, and many others.

 Agnes' interest in advocating for vegan, health and socially conscious brands has become the essence of her influencer voice.  

 Agnes has received extensive media coverage for her work as an influencer and was recently featured in Creativ Magazine's '15 Women That Wow'. She is represented by several social media agencies in Los Angeles, San Fransisco, New York and Amsterdam.

 In addition, Agnes is also a classically trained dancer with Julia Bourlina Classical Ballet in Studio City, CA.

So you've been searching the internet for days...You may have been visiting local yoga studios and boutiques on your quest for the perfect mala necklace...one that you connect with.  

Why not have a mala necklace made specially for you and infused with your intention?

Having custom prayer beads made for yourself or a loved one is a special and intimate process.  Don't have design skills?  Don't worry!  A mala designer can guide you on your journey.

As a Mala designer myself, my passion is translating my client's intentions into a beautiful wearable work of art!  Here is a snapshot of the steps I follow in creating custom prayer beads.

When a client inquires about have a custom mala made these are the questions I start with:

1. Who is this Mala for?

Is this Mala Bead Necklace for you or is it a gift?

2. What is your intention for this piece?  What do you want to invite into your life?

3.  A Little About You or the Recipient of This Mala

If you have a recent or past experience that is influencing your desire for this intention, this mala, please share!  The more I know about you, the better!

4. What colors and/or stones are you drawn to right now?  What colors/stones would you like to avoid?

***Special Note: Consider that you may need to go outside of your comfort zone and be open to new colors/stones as you are creating new habits, patterns, and inviting new intentions.

Great Example: A woman commissioned me to make a special mala bracelet for her friend.  She wanted this bracelet to represent flexibility, love, joy, and openness for her friend.  When we discussed the colors her friend is drawn to  (most often wears), they conflicted with the stones that would best represent the desired intentions.  It was clear that the first step to inviting these new energies was to start with this new color palette!  We worked together to design a custom mala bracelet made with gemstones that represented these new intentions, but also balanced by the tones and colors her friend would love!

5. What size would you like the beads/necklace to be?  

Each Mala is made with 108 beads and the size varies from 6mm-10mm.  8mm beads is the most common and traditional size.  I like to vary the sizes often amidst a pattern to create a truly unique, artistic mala necklace.  The length of most mala bead necklaces ranges from 28" - 32".

6. How would you like your Mala Necklace made?  

Handknotting is the traditional fashion in which each bead is beautifully secured with hand-tied knots.  This is my favorite way to create a Custom Mala.  For cost savings, I also offer a version where the stones are strung on cord and separated by tiny beads (that provide spacing like knots).  Would you like it finished with a bead and tassel? I also offer lockets and gemstone pendants.

7. Do you like variety or consistency?  Randomness or Pattern?  

A tibetan lady once taught me the process which I now call the "Universe Design".  In this process I place all beads for your Custom Mala into a white bowl and without looking, I let the Universe decide which order they will be strung onto the Mala!  I have seen some amazing Mala Beads result from this process!  However, if you don't like spontaneity and randomness, this may not be for you!

8. Layout Time!

Once the stones have been selected I create layouts.  With your feedback, I will create as many layouts needed - but typically the perfect Mala layout reveals itself by the 3rd try!

9. Your Work is Done! :)

10. Time to Make Your Mala!

Custom Mala Beads take 3-5 business days to be handmade and shipped.  Shipment is via USPS Priority Mail for fast, insured, reliable delivery.  Your Mala will come with a card identifying the gemstones used, along with a cotton bag for storing.  Your Mala will be enclosed in a custom gift box - making it a wonderful gift for yourself, or a loved one!

 FAQ

A. Click Here to purchase the Custom Mala Listing - I will contact you within 24 hours to discuss your Custom Mala.

Q. How much does a Custom Mala Necklace cost:

A. Custom Prayer Bead Necklaces can vary in cost based on the gemstones used.  My standard price is $175 for a Handknotted Mala and $150 for a Non-Handknotted Mala.  This covers the most commonly used gemstones like Amethyst, Amazonite, Aventurine, Howlite, Tigers Eye, Jasper, Citrine, Carnelian, Rose Quartz, Sandalwood, etc.  Rare stones may raise the price of a Custom Mala.  Any increase will be agreed upong prior to creating your Mala.

Q. How long does the Custom Mala process take?

A. From the time you place your order to the time you Mala ships is about 1-2 weeks.

Creating Custom Mala Necklaces for my clients is my favorite aspect of my business!  To Truly customize and create a special piece of art for someone that will bring them joy, comfort, and aide them in their journey is a blessing itself!

Your Intention is My Inspiration!

Namaste,

Amanda

Everything we do in life begins as an intention.  From the very basic daily routines to the complex journey that is our life.  Where you are right now is a result of your intentions.  

Take a moment to observe yourself, your environment.  

What are you thankful for?  What do you desire to change?  

The power is yours and the following 5 Steps to Setting Your Intentions will bring awareness to your present journey and help you shape your future.  

2. DREAM IT.

I find that a hearty hot yoga session is all I need to clear my busy mind and allow space for my true desires to arise.  If this is in your practice, start here.  If not, try meditating to clear your mind or find a quiet space without distractions to open up (mornings or evenings are best).  Start with being present.  Right here. Right now.  What do you feel?  How do you feel?  What are you grateful for?  What do you want to invite into your world?  Visualize yourself doing or being this intention you desire.  Speak it to yourself in a positive affirmation.  

3. WRITE IT.

Write your Intention on a piece of paper and Speak it to yourself.  When we give birth to an idea and materialize it in ink, on paper...we give it life!  Writing your intention on seed paper is an excellent way to literally "plant" your intention and watch it grow!  Speak your intention to anyone you interact with.  It may seem crazy, but people want to help us reach our goals.  If you share your intention with everyone you interact with, eventually someone will know someone...someone will have a connection and a way to help you reach your goal.  

4. WEAR IT.

There are many ways to be mindful of your intention throughout the day.  Mala Beads are prayer bead necklaces with 108 beads, often finished with a gemstone and tassel.  Malas are used for meditation and mindful living.  You can choose a Mala specifically for our intention...or you can have one made custom for you.  A Mala bracelet or other meaningful accessory can also be helpful.  You can also keep the paper which you wrote your intention on in your pocket, or enclose it in a locket.  The Intention Collection features Mala Necklaces which are finished with lockets and include seed paper strips for you to write your intention on.  

5. PLANT IT.

"Like real seeds, intentions can't grow if you hold on to them.  Only when you release your intentions into the fertile depths of your consciousness can they grow and flourish" - Deepak Chopra 

Visualize yourself in a place where your intention is your reality, and then let it go.  Plant your seed and let the universe go to work for you.  If you have written your intention on seed paper, plant it...and watch it grow!

1. WATCH IT GROW.

By taking mindful action daily based on your intention - and letting the universe "work out the kinks", you can watch your intentions begin to manifest.  Be patient and know that the season for your intention to bloom is coming.  Be Present.  Be Grateful.  Don't overlook the magic happening around you!

 Begin your journey here:  The Intention Mala Collection