Mysterious Candle Flame
Candle meditation is a simple meditation technique in which you focus your sight and attention on the flame of a candle for a certain length of time. The flame of a candle has lots of mystery in it and it attracts the attention. It flickers, changes its shape, produces a halo, and displays several colours. This fascinates the mind, attracts the attention, and puts the mind in a relaxed mood. In this situation, it is easier to focus the mind, disregard the chatter of the mind, and experience inner peace.
How to Do Candle Meditation
The steps to follow in order to practice this meditation technique are as follows:
- Light a candle of any kind. The shape and size do not matter.
- Dim the light in the room, so that the flame of the candle stands out.
- Put the candle on a table and sit on a chair in front of it. It would be more convenient if you put the candle at eye level. If you prefer to sit on the floor cross-legged, put the candle on the floor in front of you.
- Position the candle about 50cm from you.
- Sit with your back straight.
- Take a few slow deep breaths.
- For a few moments, relax your body and ease any tension in it.
- Focus your attention on the flame of the candle. Look at the flame as it flickers and changes shape and colour.
- Try to hold your sight and attention solely on the flame of the candle, without thinking of anything else or looking at anything else in the room. Immerse your complete attention in the flame of the candle.
- If you start thinking unrelated thoughts, bring your mind back to the candle.
- Blink, if you feel that you need to blink.
How long should you practice this technique?
Start with 5 minutes a day, and gradually, as it becomes easier, lengthen the time to 10 minutes a day. You will probably notice that no matter how much you try to focus on the flame, your eyes and your mind will drift away after a while. You will notice that various thoughts are trying to attract your attention, disturb your focus, and make you forget to gaze at the flame. This is okay and natural. In time, as your focus improves it will be easier to ignore the distractions and disturbances.
What Are the Benefits of Candle Meditation?
The benefits of candle meditation include:
- Helps to calm down your mind.
- It is an excellent exercise for training the mind to focus and concentrate on one single object or thought in accordance with your will. Improved concentration can help you in every area of your life.
- Mental and physical relaxation.
- You will experience inner peace, and sometimes, even some sort of altered consciousness.
Everyone can benefit from this technique, not just people who meditate. Students, business people, athletes, workers in every area, and people of all ages will find it beneficial.
As already said, candle meditation, or gazing, as some call it, is an excellent technique for focusing the mind and making it calm. However, do not overdo the exercise, especially as a beginner, and be careful not to strain your eyes. Five minutes are enough in the beginning. When you feel that the 5 minutes have passed, just stop meditating, and blow out the flame of the candle.
Now, after listening to the instructions and learning how to do candle meditation, it is time to start practicing as it is a simple technique.