Ten years ago, in the crisp month of February 2013, I embarked on a journey that would shape my path as a mala artisan. With just a year of experience under my belt at MalaforVets, I was still navigating the intricate world of malas and their significance. Little did I know that this journey would connect me with a client named Jim and a mala that would carry its purpose for a decade, only to return to me in need of rejuvenation.

The Beginning:

Crafting Jim's Mala with Care: Back in February 2013, as I delved into the realm of crafting malas, Jim, a client of MalaforVets, reached out to me. He had a unique request – to create a mala tailored to his intentions and aspirations. As I sifted through my collection of beads, each one resonating with a distinct energy, I carefully selected Carnelian for its creativity and motivation, Orange Czech glass for positivity and warmth, Rudraksha for spiritual connection, Blue-Green Tiger Eye for balance and insight, Garnet for vitality, and recycled African glass to infuse the piece with a touch of history and tradition.

From Jim:

I’ve worn this mala with love for a decade now and it has served me well. I sent Chris a letter in 2013 during a transitional period of my life. I described to Chris where I was in my head and heart and where I wanted to be. From this information, he designed this mala. It was perfect and the peace it brought me was welcomed. I can’t tell you how many times just reaching for it and holding onto has brought me peace. 

This may not be how everyone uses their mala, but it was comforting for me. When the cord finally gave out I was heartbroken but grateful to have all the components. I contacted Chris and was able to send it back to be restored to like new condition. I can’t wait to get it back!

The Healing Properties of the Beads:

• Carnelian: Known for its vibrant energy, Carnelian is believed to enhance creativity, motivation, and courage. It's a stone that encourages taking action and stepping into one's power.

• Orange Czech Glass: The warm and uplifting energy of Orange Czech glass brings positivity and joy. It's a reminder of the sun's radiant rays, infusing the wearer with renewed optimism.

• Rudraksha: These sacred seeds are revered for their connection to spirituality and meditation. Rudraksha beads are believed to create a cocoon of your own energy, enhancing focus and promoting a sense of calm.

• Blue-Green Tiger Eye: A blend of the energies of Tiger Eye and Blue Hawk's Eye, this stone aids in finding a balance between intuition and practicality. It's a stone of insight, protection, and self-discovery.

• Garnet: Often associated with vitality and passion, Garnet is believed to ignite the fire within, stimulating creativity and boosting energy levels.

• Recycled African Glass: Each piece of recycled African glass carries its own unique history, connecting the wearer to the past and grounding them in a sense of heritage.

A Decade of Goodness:

Jim's Mala's Remarkable Journey: Time has a way of moving swiftly, and as a decade unfolded, Jim's mala embarked on its own journey. It accompanied him through the twists and turns of life, acting as a steadfast companion to his intentions and endeavors. Fast forward to the present day, Jim reached out to me once more. His mala had served him well, but it had met its end, its beads finally giving way after years of service.

Breathing New Life:

The Joy of Reconstruction: Receiving Jim's mala after ten years was a moment of both nostalgia and reconnection. As I held the broken beads in my hands, memories of its creation and its significance in Jim's life came rushing back. The task at hand was not merely one of repair but of renewal and revival. Carefully, I disassembled the broken mala, remembering the choices I had made a decade ago. Each bead I selected to replace the broken ones was infused with intention and purpose, carrying the energy of the original design while also embracing the passage of time. When I made this mala, I didn’t name it. I also don’t remember what Jim’s original request was for. So, based on the gems we used, this is what I would have named the mala.

Name: "Tranquil Firestorm Fusion Mala"

Explanation: The name "Tranquil Firestorm Fusion Mala" beautifully captures the dynamic yet harmonious blend of energies found within the combination of Carnelian, orange Czech glass, Blue-Green Tiger Eye, Rudraksha, Garnet, and recycled African Glass.

• Tranquil: This word reflects the sense of inner calm and grounding that the Rudraksha beads bring to the mala. Their connection to spirituality and meditation instills a serene presence.

• Firestorm: Carnelian's fiery energy and Garnet's passionate vitality create a metaphorical firestorm of motivation, creativity, and purpose. The mala ignites a spark within the wearer, driving them to take action and embrace their potential.

• Fusion: The diverse array of beads in this mala symbolizes a fusion of intentions and energies. From the calming Rudraksha to the fiery Carnelian, the mala represents a harmonious amalgamation of qualities.

A Tale of Continuity and Renewed Intentions:

The journey of Jim's mala is a testament to the enduring power of intention and the resonance of carefully crafted creations. As it starts its journey anew, with both the echoes of the past and the promise of the present, I am reminded of the profound impact that something as seemingly simple as a mala can have on a person's journey. This mala, born in February 2013, stands as a symbol of connection – between people, between intention and action, and between the past and the present. It's a story of how something crafted with care can continue to do "good things" in the world, even a decade later.