How to Use an Intention Bracelet
Congratulations on your Intention Bracelet purchase! These bracelets were designed to help you with your meditation practice (don’t worry you can still wear it even if you don’t meditate!).
Bodhi seeds on either side of the “Element’ bead
You’ve picked the “Elemental” design as opposed to the version that incorporates gemstones. Like the gemstone version, I’ve hand-engraved a symbol representing one of the five elements; earth, water, fire air or space. There may also be Bodhi seeds incorporated into your bracelet on either side of the “element” bead. Bodhi literally translated from the ancient tradition of Sanskrit means “enlightened”. It is believed that the Bodhi seed (from the Bodhi tree) embodies enlightenment so, can help you see the truth more clearly through your meditation practice. The other beads are made from sandalwood which, because of it’s natural scent, helps to calm the mind and body.
Below you’ll find a description of how each element can support you.
No matter which version of Intention Bracelet you have, if you are using it for meditation, you will reap the many benefits of this time-honoured tradition. If you are adding intentions as well, you’ll see how positive intention can help you keep your mind focused on the things you want in your life.
These bracelets love to be worn! If they sit on a shelf they get dry and faded. If at any time your bracelet breaks, I’ll restring it for you free of charge. Simply bring it back to where you purchased it.
Powers of the Elements
According to an ancient healing tradition called Ayurveda, you carry within you the qualities of the five basic elements of the universe; earth, water, fire, air and space.
When life get’s challenging, you can tap into these elemental qualities, for example grounding, clearing or transformation through intentional meditation.
Here is a short video demonstrating how to use your Intention Bracelet for meditation.
Below is brief description of how each of the elements can help you and a suggestion on a short meditation practice you can do with it. For a detailed description of the very intentional design of your bracelet and the powers of the elements click here.
Earth: Grounding and Stability
The hand-carved symbol of a tree represents the earth. The circular parts are the branches, followed by the trunk and then the roots.
If you are feeling like everything around you is constantly changing or you just can’t seem to stop your mind from jumping from one thing to the next, set your feet on terra firma and root down to find stability!
Try This
“I find more stability with every exhale.”
Put your bracelet on if you’re not already wearing it. Stand in mountain pose and take a few abdominal breaths. On every inhale the belly moves away from the spine. On every exhale feel your feet rooting down to earth. Do this for 5-10 breaths. Then using your bracelet like a Rosary starting at the bead after the symbol say the intention: “I find more stability with every exhale” or create your own intention. You can say it silently or out loud. Do this for at least one cycle stoping at the tree symbol bead and saying “thank-you” knowing you have now set your intention.
Water: Flow and Flexibility
The hand-carved symbol represents flowing waves to symbolize water.
Have you been feeling uptight and frustrated? Use the power of water to wash away tension and find more ease.
Try This
“I release the tension of expectation and release into the wonder of the moment.”
Put your bracelet on if you’re not already wearing it. Standing or sitting, imagine your breath coming up through the soles of your feet to the top of your head on the inhale and let the exhale flow like a wave from head to toe, releasing any sensations of mental or physical tension. Do this for 5-10 breaths. Then using your bracelet like a Rosary starting at the bead after the symbol, say the intention “I release the tension of expectation and release into the wonder of the moment.” Do this for at least one cycle, ending at the water symbol bead and saying “thank-you” knowing you’ve now set your intention.
Fire: Transformation and Motivation
The hand-carved symbol of the sun represents fire.
Do you need a change? Let the alchemy of fire help you reignite your dreams and desires and make that needed shift.
Try This
“I am now ready to make things happen.”
Put your bracelet on if you’re not already wearing it. Standing or sitting, come to your breath. Feel it circling around your navel centre from your right to left. Do this for 5-10 breaths. Now imagine an image of the sun just above your belly button. With each inhale see the radiant glow getting just a little brighter. With each exhale let that brilliance fill your whole body with the energy of the sun.
Then using your bracelet like a Rosary starting at the bead after the symbol, say the intention “I am now ready to make things happen.” Do this for at least one cycle, ending at the sun symbol bead and saying “thank-you” knowing you’ve now set your intention.
Air: Movement and Clarity
The hand-carved swirl symbol represents air.
Are you feeling heavy and stuck? Use the wind to help you get moving and gain clarity.
Try This
“I am energized and can see my way clearly.”
Put your bracelet on if you’re not already wearing it. Stand in mountain pose. Inhale your arms up overhead then, bending your knees a bit, exhale letting your arms swing down and back past your bent knees. Let out a big sigh or the sound of “HAAA” as you exhale. Repeat this movement 5-10 times and imagine this movement is clearing away fog that might be clouding your vision.
Then using your bracelet like a Rosary starting at the bead after the symbol, say the intention “I am energized and can see my way clearly.” Do this for at least one cycle, ending at the air symbol bead and saying “thank-you” knowing you’ve now set your intention.
Space: Boundless Possibility
Space holds everything in the universe. The hand-carved symbol incorporates the symbols of earth/tree (the curve lines at the top), water (the line between the tree top and the star), fire (the spikes coming off the curved lines) and air (the swirl with the three dots) and space itself (the star as shown in the image to the left).
If you’re not sure what you need but you know you need something, give yourself some space then let your inner guidance draw from the element you need most, or all of the elements!
Try This
“I trust in the universe and make space for whatever comes next.”
Put your bracelet on if you’re not already wearing it. Stand with your legs a little further than hip distance apart. Inhale your arms up to shoulder height with your palms facing forwards. As you inhale feel your whole body expanding. Exhale and let your arms float back down. Do this 5-10 times.
Then using your bracelet like a Rosary starting at the bead after the symbol, say the intention “I trust in the universe and make space for whatever comes next.” Do this for at least one cycle, ending at the space symbol bead and saying “thank-you” knowing you’ve now set your intention. Be sure to listen to your intuition and watch for signs and symbols that may be clues as to what your “next” is.
Additional Resources
Ayurveda 101: This provides you with a bit more information about India’s ancient system of self-care. Watch the video: Introduction to Ayurveda Basics N.B. The password for this video is Journey2013 I’ve included it here for you so you can discover even more about the science behind the design of your Intention Bracelet. This video is part of my comprehensive personal self-care course called Take the Journey.
Meditation: The meditation practice that is part of your Intention Practice is called mantra meditation. This page gives you a bit more information of this powerful practice that combines relaxation, repetition and gratitude.
