Be. Longing....

To be completely seen, through and through.   Some dread it, some crave it.  I have to say I am in the later camp, I adore it when I'm seen, and a bit frightened too.  We all have a primary human desire that several psychologists call a "Sense of Belonging".  After food, water, shelter we all want to belong.  To belong to something, a family, a tribe, a group, a band!  Beings long.  Be Long.  Belongings.   With the evolution of Bali Malas we will be working on this concept of belonging and belongings.  We are excited to be bringing to the site some new, truly exquisite belongings this fall.  Pieces that assist transition, wearing peace, supporting peace in partnerships, all the while aiding us in our sense of belonging, wether it be as a part of something (specially designed mala from yoga trainings) or apart, separate yet connected to something or someone  (your favorite teacher's mala).

Being SEEN in all our glory, through the eyes of someones heart, is a beautiful, intimidating, scary, glorious thing.  What if they see ALL of it, the pimples, the tears, the scars?  Like a tide pulling out before the tsunami of love hits you.  Exposing the sea shells, old tires and rusted tin cans.  We've hopefully all experienced this love wave in some form at several points in our life.  A graduation day, our wedding day, a special birthday or under the tent made of sheets with your lover.  More often than not, after we've exposed or been exposed in someway first.  One of my favorite experiences is to have my children be seen, by that teacher,  a friend,  a neighbor.  Those are the moments I want to just thrust upon that "seer" my love wave. To know someone "gets" them, has seen the old tin cans and rough edges that we all have, and adores them even the more because of it.   The sense of be longing.  beings long.  be-longings.  What are your be longings? 

Wear Peace. Exquisite belongings. 

What does it mean? 

Listen to our interview on
Where is My Guru
and find out! 

PAX CULTURA

"Where there is Peace, there is Culture; 

Where there is Culture, there is Peace." 

- Nicholas Roerich

"March winds are the morning yawn of spring." ~Lewis Grizzard    Under the snow, the mud and the muck are all those tiny, tender seeds that have been planted.  You may even have forgotten you planted them, or what they are, or where and when they are planted.  As I pick through my south facing garden, pulling out of the rose bushes a few shreds of holiday wrapping paper and the pine wreath (that used to welcome our holiday guests but has since lived under a snow bank for months) I am surprised to see a plethera of tender, pale green shoots just popping through the wet, deep, brown crust.  Hmm, what is that plant?  Are those the iris's or the tulips or a weed?  Do I really not remember back to last spring?  What was it I maybe planted there in the fall, some obscure bulb from that garden catalog?  I hope to recall more readily what I have planted in the garden of my own heart.  I am learning that my "mission statement, be it with business or with life, is the roots of all that I grow.  Print out your mission statement, put it somewhere that you see it everyday.  Try to match each step of progress/action with your mission statement as its root.  What would your mission statement sprout?  With awareness I am planting several things to tend through this tenuous time of spring.  Careful to not let others walk on my tender leaves, the newest growth. I've created a "vision board", and designed a macro and micro calendar, all the while asking myself what is it I want to accomplish, why and by when?  Looking at my macro calendar, from now until the summer solstice I've listed my goals/desires around my relationships, job, family etc.  Things like " Daily practice, Stand in my 500 hour certication, Develop a strong teaching base, Improve my relationships with my son and parents, Embrace my lioness, Spruce up our business image".  I then work backwards from the current approaching Spring Equinox and ask what will be done between now and June 21st to accomplish my macro outlook?  I've written here things like " Have "dates" with my mom and son every other week, Daily asana, Write out class development, Find a new logo for Bali Malas."    What seeds do you want to plant, to cultivate, to fertilize, tend to and water?  What small steps daily can be taken?  What bigger steps weekly and bigger still per month?  Time can easily fly by, so slow it down, look at it, feel the dirt in your fingernails, and remember your life is in your control.  You can formulate how you want it to look, feel, smell.  What you will reap at harvest, what fruits you will enjoy as the days get longer, slower, warmer?  Now is the time to tend the garden of your own heart.  How does your garden grow? With names like Dearly Beloved, Pink Martini, Om Shanti and The Muse, and encompassing sunny citrine, smokey amethyst, mauve fresh water pearls, tulsi, rubies and sapphires, our spring collection is certainly worth investigating......

The Lioness

Has Been Awakened

I was born under the sign of the lion, and I do posses many of the typical Leo traits.  I like grandeur, lavish living, children, and praise, lots of praise.  I do not like penny pinching, mean spiritedness, and the ins and outs of boring day to day living (yawn).   However, I do think the majority of my lioness traits have been dormant most of my life.  Nonetheless, these last few years my Leo-self has bent and floated into asanas I never could have imagined.  I have built a conscious business, growing it each year.  I have taught hundreds of yogis and have just completed my 500 hr teacher training with Shiva Rea.  All these events being instrumental to the awakening of my inner Leo, my truest nature.  My lioness has awoken.

Easing into the new year, I have been working on my organizing/arranging/sacred planning for 2012.  (Via my on line sadhana group with Shiva Rea.)  I've been asking myself some questions, what is my experience of myself currently? What is my vision of myself at the end of this next 365 day cycle around the sun?  What do I want to see in my business, my relationships, my health, my creativity, my spirituality? Not exactly easily answered questions, but questions that have led to much pondering and introspection.   I am learning January is an excellent time to muse, to plant future seeds/goals and directions for the new year ahead. 

During my contemplation of the afore mentioned  questions the image of a lioness kept arising.  The lioness who takes care of her young, who lives amongst a tribe, who is in many ways a "householder", all similar circumstances to my own.  Here is how I answered my own inquiry:

"She has begun her new year journey walking stealthily on her huge padded feet into her world of business, children, house holding, spirituality and love. As her feet leave a delicate imprint in the soft new ground of 2012 you will see her sway and swagger with each step.  Her gentle sloping shoulders reflecting her relaxation, her amply cushioned feet gracefully flowing in front of her with each day.  Crouching down to examine things a bit closer, taking "cat" naps in the sun.  Perking up her ears to listen better, and not afraid to growl and bare her teeth if she deems necessary simultaneously shifting to a meditative purr.  She is surrounded by her ever supporting tribe, for she has learned "you are the company you keep."   Her body is healthy and tone, eyes bright with ferocity.  Most noticeable is her heart that is alighted with the fire that she continually tends.  This lioness has been awakened and is ready to gracefully traverse her way through the expanse."

I encourage you to grab your journal and begin pondering and questioning, planning and compass pointing.  You may be ever so pleasantly surprised at what you've cultivated upon reflection on December 31, 2012.

Presents with presence.

Bali Malas holiday presents with presence.

Practice presence with your presents this holiday season. The Mala Tree is decorated and keeping our offices bright, while the snow falls outside and the temperatures drop.  Bali Malas' studio is all abuzz with our trusted elves all pitching in to help fulfill your orders.  Keeping in mind our products are all handmade in Bali, and do take time to get to us, so please be sure to do your shopping early.  We have tried to stock up this year, but as usual, there are many beautiful malas that are just flying out the door! Order today. Jai Ho! Only here for the holidays... Jai Ho!  Think triumphant joy, upbeat, uplifted!  Miniature rudrakshas alternating with hand selected semi-precious stones,  anchored wtih larger  bead.  All threaded and handknotted on matching string/tassel.  All Jai Ho! are approx. 21" long enough to wrap around neck twice or wrist several times.  Limited supplies, available during holiday season only.

Because she loves to be adorned.  Visit our exquisite Sri Collection. Treat yourself or that special Goddess this season with an exclusive piece from our Sri Collection.  Sri, the sacred sound of cosmic auspiciousness and abundance.  We've created this collection of pieces that are of an extremely uplifted nature.  All of these pieces are made with only the highest quality of gold, silver and several incorporate the use of Chikna beads.  Chikna quality rudrakshas are an extremely rare, highly concentrated form of rudraksha bead, only befitting of our Sri Collection mindful adornments.  Very limited offering. 20% Off Coupon Enter coupon code 'holiday' at checkout to receive 20% off your next purchase.  Valid for single use only, expires 1/1/2012

Thanks. Giving.

Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.
-- Hamilton Wright Mabie

At this time of gratitude, Bali Malas extends a deep bow to you, our fans, supporters, customers, net workers and all around Bali Mala advocates.    On a snowy evening five years ago, with my dear friend Soma (the creator of all Bali Malas) visiting from Bali, our little rudraksha mala business was born.  On that night, Soma shared with me her vision of bringing her rudraksha mala designs to the west.  Even though I did not know a RUDRAKSHA from an ACAI berry back then (but do now!) and I often got the word mala confused with the word lama, I thought it was a fabulous idea and immediately jumped at the opportunity.

In these five years, never having operated or owned a business before this, I have been humbled,  bumbled,  and flowed, but mostly I've strived to develop an "awakened business".  We have gone from a whim of an idea to a full fledged business with staff, inventory and everything!  From our very first on line sale (thank you Dave Barry!) to over 400 on line sales so far  this year.  We are in over 50 retail locations in 13 states with an even larger distribution through our partners at White Swan Music.  Growing slowly, but growing we are.   I have learned much about business, but more importantly I have learned about you.  You can't be taken for granted, you can't be given half truths, and when given respect, compassion, honesty and care, you will blossom into the most loyal, heartwarming, supporters any small business could ever ask for.

Sometimes, especially in these busy times, I forget to take a moment and realize what our business is doing.  Sometimes, like in these busy times, I forget how sacred and special our products are,  and can be, to each of you.  What they are to me. I've learned I must stay "awake" in our business to have the business that I want to be, and am proud to be,  a part of.

I have kept a file I call "sweet nothings" of emails I've collected  from you through the years.  Your support and kind words have helped keep Bali Malas going when at times, I wasn't sure I wanted it to.  Here is a sampling of what you've all sent to me that has encouraged me through the years.

"The girls and I LOVE our latest acquisitions from you... they are GORGEOUS!... truly.... "  - Debbie
"Thank you for sharing and please keep offering up your thoughts - you are touching lives and hearts!" - Jolene
"I received the necklace several days ago. It has already had a positive effect in my life."  -Richard
"simply want to say how much i love your products, what you're doing, the feeling i get from your mala, and on and on. basically, thank you! love and peace." - Rachel
"The mala and the matching bracelet just arrived.  Both are very beautiful and you have an extremely happy customer.  My partner will also have a beautiful smile on Christmas day now :-)" - Dave

We are truly blessed to have you as our customers.  Thank you for trusting us with your friends, your families and with yourselves.  Thank you for being willing to adorn the beauty of what you are, to enhance your gorgeous self, with Bali Malas.  It was five years ago and still is today Bali Malas' intent to restore vibrancy, compassion and healing to our planet by the wearing of rudraksha beads.

Wear Peace.

Lost in Transitions....

... my ever present Sherpa of Transition.  

Without whom I would still be wandering around the Spanish Market of Santa Fe.

---

 

As the leaves begin their release from their safe, secure, attached place on the branch, to their ever so long, unknowing, gentle float to land on the ground that has always laid there, just beneath them, fall is upon us.  The leaves will dry and crumble, eventually decomposing to assist  in the cycle.  The signs of autumn have arrived in our town with sharp, crisp air, incredibly gorgeous cloud formations, crackling blue skies, long shadows, and today, a much needed rain.  Fall is a time of transitions.  The transition of going back to a routine of schoo/work for many.  Transition towards the closing of the year.  The moving away from the warmth to the cool.  Swimsuits to sweaters.  As we navigate these transitions it is important to notice how we move through them.  The transitions, the places in-between the yoga postures, the pause at the top of the inhale, the float from branch to ground.  These are the places that interest me the most.  These are also the places that can sometimes be the most dangerous, the least paid attention to, the most unconscious, the places where the ankle turns as we walk off the curb, where the back tweaks moving from a simple Bhujangasana to Ardho Mukha Svanasana.  The mind has often already moved on to whats next, not even realizing the transition is what is happening now.  The space in between is where we are.  These are the places I'm learning to pay the most attention to.  The worst car accident I've experienced was when we were literally in transition, moving from one house across town to another.  Boxes, dog, cat, goldfish and plants packed in the car, already thinking of how I'd like to paint the hallway of the new house, not being present in the moment the light turned red.

Explore it, delve into it. learn from it.  As I pack away my swimsuits, sunhats, and shorts and dig out my sweaters, socks and (gasp!) shoes I try to linger in these spaces in between.  The space where we find ourselves in sundresses with sweaters over them. One foot under the down comforter and one in the cool night air.  The layers on, the layers off, the layers on again.  The space from pool to school, between the cobra and downdog, from apple tree to apple pie, intention and action, between the inhale and the exhale.  They are long, rich, deep and dark,  and without them we would get nowhere.  The question is HOW to we get somewhere, HOW do we use and move and groove through those places in the middle of then (past) and there (future).  Take a moment to watch that leaf leap, what happens right before it drops and right before it lands, take pause in those magical spaces in between.

Reach out...

Reach out and touch someone....  From 1979 through 1983, for those of us who remember those days, the phrase "reach out and touch someone" was an ad slogan for the  Bell System (aka AT&T).  It was based on the premise of the natural  human desire to communicate with others.  These days we don't  need a round dial we stick our finger in and crank, or a wall mounted, short curly corded phone to communicate.  We have so many  avenues, text, email, FaceBook, to name a few.  Communications are at lightening speeds.  However, I wonder if we are actually really  communicating and if so then WHAT are we actually communicating?  Authenticity seems lost.  Looking into anothers eyes seems almost  foreign and a bit intimidating.    I ran into a friend who has a very  strong "social media" presence, and asked him what he has been up  to of late.  His reply was "you obviously haven't been reading my  posts, or blogs, or you would know what I've been up to".  He said  this with all sincerity. Hmmmmm..... FB and texts and blogs are all a great way of spreading the word--  but my soul, my real communication center, has been feeling a bit  slighted lately.  It is having a hard time really "connecting" with others.   Sure, I blog, FB, text, email and tweet, but I long for the slow, face -to --face, look in your eyes, old fashioned way of knowing what is  going on... really going on with one another.  Even in yoga classes we  stagger our mats so we don't have to touch each other.  When I see someone, and even more strongly, when I touch someone, my soul  knows so much more about them than I could ever read in 130  characters or less.  The art of touch I fear is being lost in our society.  What with lawsuits and hyper-technology it is no wonder.  Am I a  neo-luditte?  Possibly, but I encourage you to be brave, dial into  someone's true communication center.  Reach out, really reach out  -- be it their arm, their shoulder, their hand or their soul --  and touch someone!