A mala can be used to keep a place as you repeat a word or move through a moment of attention. You do not need to adopt a belief system to try a simple, respectful practice of your own.
Begin beside the tassel.
Hold a bead next to the tassel. Move to the next bead with an easy breath, or repeat a word such as here or enough. Avoid pulling on the knots or rushing toward a total.
Choose a length that feels possible.
Try nine beads or a quiet minute. Stop whenever you need to. If a particular tradition matters to you, learn its practice from a knowledgeable teacher rather than assuming every strand is used in the same way.
Try the 1-Minute Ritual →