Story Beads by La Padre

Story-Beads - Handheld Spirituality

Story-Beads are non-denominational prayer and meditation beads made just for You!

Custom Story-Beads

We'll start with a half hour (to 45 minute) call to clarify your story, then we'll co-create a set of story-beads just for you. Each custom-made set includes a write-up (intuitively guided) that tells the story of your story-beads and the symbols and meanings we selected.

Create Your Story Here!

To get started, make your $35 deposit here. Then, I’ll send you a starter email to get you thinking about your intentions for your Story-Beads.

Then we’ll talk for 20-30 minutes. Together, we’ll figure out the best set to represent the story you want to tell and how you need them to support you. We’ll use the traditional attributes and energies of semi-precious stones, color symbolism, animal symbolism and numerology as well as symbols that have personal significance to you.

I provide as much support and guidance as you want and need as we co-create a set of Story-Beads that are unique to you.

Each custom handheld storybead set is made from quality beads of semi-precious stones, glass, crystal and/or clay. Elements can include pewter beads and pendants, as well as the occasional piece of sterling.

Story-Beads work for four simple reasons:

They are tactile.  They bring the sensory elements of touch and sight (beauty) which cements the practice in the real world. No longer are practices just in your head, or just in your heart. With Story-Beads they’re grounded in the physical world.

They are a lens for focus. They act as a tangible reminder of the desire behind the practice you’re trying to make stick. Remembering a new practice is the only way to make it stick.
They are story. Story is more compelling than lists, more compelling than facts. A story engages multiple parts of the brain and allows for more complex meanings. It can include the how, and the why behind it. It can be nurturing. It can replace a negative story.
They are uniquely yours. You get to choose the meaning. You get to choose the symbols based on your personal, heart-felt associations. You get to choose how to work with them based on what works best for you.

Each one of these reasons alone is powerful. When you combine them all into ONE simple practice, you vastly increase the likelihood that it will become a consistent and beneficial part of your everyday life.

Assign meaning and a mantra, like "I wish to Grow."

Recycled glass bottle beads tell a powerful story of respecting nature.

A writer’s set with Chinese writing stone and symbols for writers.

"Received my Story-Beads, and oh my - it's better than anything I could have hoped for. THANK YOU!!!! Every stone, bead, color and explanation is perfect. Since we never really talked about collections, colors or anything personal except for Jason you couldn't have known (but for divine wisdom) that I collect blue bottles, love hearts, and have always been drawn to these stones. In other words I LOVE IT!! Your explanations made me weep.

When I first touched it my whole body tingled. I know that it will bring me countless hours of comfort. From the bottom of MY heart thank you, and it will be cherished and treasured."
- Nancy Palmer

Some ways to work with Story-Beads

Take them out when you write or create. Your mind will begin to associate them with writing/creating. They can then be used to ward off writer’s block.
Contemplate the months/seasons and what you want to bring into your life in each particular month. Use them to set goals, remind yourself of lessons, or allow the beads to tell you what they represent. (My own have reminded me to live in my heart, to pay attention to what is, and to integrate.)
Meditate/contemplate/think about a particular concept such as the meaning of each full moon, or the aspects of divinity in sets of three (Father, Son and Holy Spirit or Maiden, Mother, Crone.)
Repetition – on sets with patterns, each bead will be a word or phrase (example “maiden, mother, crone.”) Repeat the word that corresponds with the bead as you touch each one.
Sit with your beads when you are feeling calm and quiet (or while you meditate.) With time you will feel calm each time you touch them.
Carry beads in your pocket or purse, keeping them as a close at hand reminder to engage your practice.
Hold beads while driving, waiting on line, or during idle time. Normally wasted time can be turned into a meditative or prayerful process.
Assign each bead a meaning – for me the metal spacers remind me to breathe.
Assign each bead a different goal.
Assign each bead an affirmation.
Sleep with them under your pillows to keep your practice and prayers close by as you dream.
Assign a prayer to each bead. Read the prayer as you hold the bead until it is memorized. Until then, repeat the first line of the prayer – it will carry the weight of the whole prayer.
Assign each bead a wish or story for a person being honored (great for baby showers – note: Story-Beads workshops are available!)
Sets with dark, medium and light colored beads remind us that the dark days always give way to light. Use for those going through a difficult time or in poor health.
Sets can be made with a bead for each member of your family. Pray for or think lovingly of each person when you touch their personal bead.
Sets can be made with recycled, unworn but still beloved old jewelry (pendants, earrings and beaded pieces.)
Give as gifts to loved ones. Even if they never use them they will be a constant reminder that they are loved!
If nothing else, display your beads in a prominent location so that you look upon them often. Even just seeing them will be a reminder of whatever reason you bought them for, even if it was only to remind you of the beauty in the world.