The Maker's Space

Breath as Prayer Bead Bookmark and Journal Blank Journal – found some inexpensive at Five Below store $5 for $5, if you want to share. Prayer Bead Supplies to Make at Home: You can use old beads from broken jewelry or rosaries (10 or 12 beads) Purchase a pack of colorful beads from Joann Fabrics, Hobby Lobby or Michaels. 16” string small enough to string through bead whole. Inexpensive cord can be purchased from Joann’s or Michaels too. Look for discount coupons before buying. There’s always a sale. Cross Charm or favorite charm from broken jewelry or rosary. Tied at end of bookmark to weight it down. Instructions: Cut a piece of cording or string to about 16”. If your journal is long make the cord a little longer. Ties a simple knot at the top of the string. Lace on your 10-12 beads. I used different size beads for my fingers to feel when saying the breath prayers. Tie a simple knot below the last bead that you strung on the cording. Tie a charm on the end of the cord. I used a cross ...

 "Have you ever felt out of control when you're afraid or extremely stressed? There's a physiological reason that happens. When you nervous system senses danger, the amygdala, [sometimes called the emotional brain] takes over and literally bypasses the frontal lobe [sometimes called the logic brain] in order to prepare your body for fight, flight, or freeze, in a process that psychologist Daniel Goleman first called 'amygdala hijacking.' Your body reacts automatically, without intentional thought, and the result can often leave you feeling like you have no control over you reactions or behavior in that moment. Anxiety sets in. The limbic system serves your body well when you're facing an actual threat, like a bear attack for example, but it's not as helpful when the 'danger' is merely a stressful situation. These are the times when breath prayers, especially when practiced regularly, can be very helpful. As you slow your breathing, you're tellin...