Candle meditation is a form of mindfulness meditation that can be done with or without guidance. The basic idea is to focus your attention on the candle flame and allow yourself to be aware of the present moment.
You may find it helpful to light a candle in a quiet place where you can sit comfortable and uninterrupted for a few minutes. When you’re ready, take a seat and set the candle in front of you at eye level. Gaze at the candle flame and allow your eyes to soften. As you breathe in and out, try to keep your attention on the candle.
If your mind wanders, gently bring it back to the candle. Once you’re done, sit for a few minutes with your eyes closed and notice how you feel. Candle meditation can help to reduce stress, improve sleep, and increase feelings of well-being.
Let’s discover some tips on meditating with candles.
Keep the Lights Dim
When meditating with a candle, it’s important to keep the light dim. Too much light will distract you from the candle and make it difficult to focus. The best way to dim the light is to use a low-wattage bulb or a salt lamp. You can also use candles with covers to help keep the light level low. By keeping the light dim, you’ll be able to focus on the candle and enter a state of mindfulness more easily.
Place the Candle In front of You
The best position for the candle is on a table or mat in front of you, about 50 cm away. You should sit with crossed legs on the floor facing the candle. Having the candle at this distance will allow you to focus your attention on the flame without being distracted by other objects in the room.
If you find it difficult to keep your attention on the candle, you can try lighting two candles and placing them slightly further apart. The important thing is to find a comfortable position that allows you to focus your attention and relax your body.
Keep Your Back Straight
When you’re meditating with a candle, it’s important to keep your back straight. If you’re not paying attention to your posture, you’ll likely find yourself slouching, which will make it harder to keep your focus on the candle.
Additionally, a bent back can lead to headaches and neck pain. So, make sure to keep your spine properly aligned while you’re meditating to avoid these issues. You’ll be able to stay more attentive and comfortable if you do.
Focus on Your Breathing
It’s important to focus on your breath, when you are meditating with a candle. Inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth. As you breathe, say a mantra or positive affirmation to yourself. Some examples of mantras are “om” or “everything will be alright.”
Remember to keep your focus on your breath and the mantra. The candle should just be a tool to help you focus. Let the flame flicker and dance in your peripheral vision. Don’t worry to much if your mind begins wandering. You just need to focus on your breath and the mantra. Meditation can be a helpful way to reduce stress and allow you peace of mind.
Pay Attention to the Flame
When you’re staring at your candle flame during meditation, pay attention to how it changes color. Focus all of your attention on the flame, and don’t let other thoughts come to you. The color of the flame can give you clues about what’s going on inside of you.
For example, a blue flame means that you’re feeling calm and serene. A yellow flame means that you’re feeling happy and positive. And a red flame means that you’re feeling passionate and excited. So pay attention to the color of your flame, and use it as a guide for your meditation.
Benefits of Candle Meditation
Though it may seem like a simple activity, candle meditation can have a profound effect on your mental and physical wellbeing. Unlike other forms of meditation, which can require years of practice to master, candle meditation is relatively easy to learn and can be done by anyone. Here are four benefits of candle meditation that you may not be aware of:
1) Candle meditation will help you calm down your mind. In today’s fast-paced world, it can be difficult to find time to relax and clear your head. However, even just a few minutes of candle meditation can help to still your thoughts and promote feelings of peace and tranquility.
2) Improved concentration. One of the main goals of meditation is to train the mind to focus and concentrate on one single object. By fixating your gaze on the flickering flame of a candle, you can learn to quiet the chatter of your negative thoughts and focus on the present moment.
3) Physical and mental relaxation. Candle meditation is a great way to unwind after a long day. The gentle heat of the flame promotes physical relaxation, while the act of focusing on your breath can help to ease tension and stress.
4) Inner peace, and sometimes, even some sort of altered consciousness. For some people, candle meditation can lead to a sense of inner peace and harmony. In some cases, it may even induce an altered state of consciousness, providing you with a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you.
Final Word
By now you must have understood how you can meditate with candles, as well as the benefits of candle meditation. Meditating with candle is simple, but the only roadblock are the distractions which appear in the form of your surroundings, as well as your own thoughts. The best way to deal with these distractions is to focus on the flame, and compel your mind not to wander off. Also, the lights in the room should be dim, so nothing else grabs your attention, except for the flame.
