008. Make a new mala.

Yesterday, I started a new journey. Over the next 1000 days, I'll be working my way through a list of 101 goals. Some are big, some are small. Some seem insignificant, and others are major. As I complete each goal, I'll update the list (found here), and write a short post about its completion.

This evening after work, I made a new mala. A mala is a symbolic necklace with 108 beads. In the Hindu tradition, 108 is a sacred number. The mala is used in meditation to count this sacred number of mantras or in physical practice to count sun salutations without focusing on the numbers.

One large bead called the 'guru bead' separates the first bead from the 108th. When counting, the beads are draped over either the middle or ring finger and moved with the thumb. The index finger should not be used, and the guru bead should not be crossed when counting. Upon reaching bead 108, the mala is turned and counting continues in the reverse direction.

The mala that I created to fulfill goal 008 was made with 108 small black beads, one medium-sized navy bead designating the midpoint, one large white and navy bead as the guru bead, and a bright green tassel. It is the prettiest mala that I've made so far.