Presented by Michael Patrick, LMT, KYT, CPC
Mantras, which are statements spoken repeatedly, can greatly enhance spiritual intentions and personal development. Mala beads are used to track position when moving through mantra practice. In this workshop, attendees will string their own mala beads, experience mantra practice and learn how to create their own mantras to support their highest spiritual intentions.
Use your hands, shape your mind, and change your life! Join us in this one of a kind workshop designed to introduce mantra practice in a tangible way. Attendees will string their own mala beads, explore mantra practice using their mala beads and learn how to create their own personal mantras.
Mantras, which are simply statements spoken repeatedly, have been used for thousands of years in spiritual practice. Mantras can help disrupt negative or destructive thought patterns and invite positive change. They can also be used as affirmations. Mantra practice has even been shown to be effective in alleviating some of the symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (Kim et. al, 2013). Mantras provide a way to fill the mind with thoughts that support spiritual growth and intention. Traditions that use this practice have established mantras. However, new mantras can be created and existing mantras can be modified to fit the needs of the practitioner.
When saying mantras, mala beads are used by practitioners to track their position as they move through the meditative practice. “Mala” means “garland” and is a loop of beads held together with string, usually made of 108 beads, joined by what’s known as a guru bead. As the mantra is spoken, the beads are cycled through. This frees the mind from having to count. The coordinating of speaking the mantra with the movement of the hand on the bead introduces an embodiment and focus to the practice.
“Your beliefs become your thoughts, Your thoughts become your words, Your words become your actions, Your actions become your habits, Your habits become your values, Your values become your destiny.”
― Mahatma Gandhi
Mantras can indeed be life changing. When seeking to transform one’s life, coaching looks first to the desired end and then works backward to the level of actions, words, beliefs, thoughts needed to reach this end. A well-crafted mantra can support developing the ways of being that support highest intentions of the type of person we want to become. Mantras can synergize life coaching aims.
This hands-on workshop unfolds in 3 stages:
- Stringing the beads to make the mala. Starting with raw materials of beads, string, thread and tassels, malas will be assembled. Attendees will be able to choose the bead and tassel colors to personalize their own set. Making the bead string becomes part of the practice.
- Learning mantra practice using mala beads. Next the beads will be used in mantra practice with a simple mantra known worldwide, “May peace prevail on earth.”
- Selecting mantras to support personal intentions. Mantras from various traditions will be provided and attendees will be given guidelines and suggestions to craft their own personal mantras.
Attendees will take home the mala bead necklaces that they created! They will also take home a tool that empowers their highest spiritual intentions and will be prepared to fully use this life-changing practice.
Who should attend:
- Those looking to improve their lives
- Those seeking a way to counteract anxious thoughts
- Those looking to become more grounded
- Those looking to support new ways of being
This workshop is 120 minutes. Cost: $35 per person. (payable online or at the event) This workshop is suitable for everyone independent of religious belief or nonbelief.
Time Needed: 120 minutes | Attendee limit: 10
About the instructor- Workshop is presented by Michael Patrick, LMT, KYT, CPC from Centered Presence, Ltd.
Centered Presence, Ltd.
Michael Patrick, LMT, KYT, CPC
As a Licensed Massage Therapist, Kripalu Yoga Teacher, Certified Professional Coach and former Scientist, I bring all the gifts of who I am to my work. Driven by the desire to elevate others, my career initially spanned the biotech industry, interdisciplinary research and laboratory safety. Over the past decade, it evolved to wellness and now I work in my own company, Centered Presence, Ltd. As a presenter, my workshops are characterized by elements of touch, intimacy, embodiment, grounding, presence, spiritual practice and cultivation of inner awareness, which result in personal growth and empowered movement forward.