How to Meditate With a Candle

Meditation is an ancient practice that has been used for thousands of years to promote relaxation, mindfulness, and spiritual growth. It uses various techniques to do so, such as mindfulness (the act of purposely bringing back your attention to the present moment), candle meditation (also known as candle gazing or drishti), or focused meditation (purposely focusing your mind either on an object, a thought, a feeling, or simply your breath). Today, we’ll look at the benefits of candle meditation, tips and recommendations from personal experience, as well as provide step-by-step instructions on how to meditate with a candle.

Benefits of Candle Meditation

Meditating with a candle can have many benefits for both the mind and body. Here are just a few of the potential benefits:

1. Reduces stress and anxiety: By focusing on the candle flame, you can quiet your mind and thoughts. By doing so, you will naturally  reduce stress, anxiety, or any tension in the body.
2. Improves concentration: Candle meditation has shown to improve your concentration and focus, which can be helpful in many aspects of life (hint: college exams or work projects). 
3. Enhances relaxation: The gentle flickering of the candle flame helps promote a sense of relaxation and calm. It induces a soothing atmosphere, making it perfect to enter a serene, zen state. 
4. Increases mindfulness: Candle meditation helps increase mindfulness, which leads to greater self-awareness, an improved ability to remain present, as well as a general increase in compassion towards oneself or others.
5. Improves mental cognition: By deliberately staring at a candle in a narrow focus, candle meditation helps sharpen your cognitive processes such as thinking, knowing, remembering, judging, and problem-solving.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Candle Meditation

If you are interested in trying candle meditation, here are some step-by-step instructions to get you started:

1. Choose a quiet and comfortable space: Find a quiet and comfortable space where you can sit and meditate without distraction. You may want to dim the lights as bright light generally increases sharpness and alertness.  
2. Set up your candle: Place your candle on a flat surface in front of you, such as a table or a desk. Make sure the candle is in a secure holder and won’t tip over. Verify that your candle won’t drip wax and damage your furniture. Use a table tray or candle glass holder if needed.
3. Light the candle: Use a match or lighter to light the candle. Take a moment to focus on the flame and the light it produces.
4. Sit comfortably: Sit comfortably in a chair or on a cushion with your back straight and your feet firmly on the ground.
5. Focus on the candle: Take a few deep breaths to relax and then focus your attention on the candle flame. Try to keep your gaze fixed on the flame and avoid looking away or blinking too much.
6. Clear your mind: As you focus on the candle, try to clear your mind of any distracting thoughts. If your mind begins to wander, gently bring your focus back to the candle flame.
7. Practice for several minutes: Practice candle meditation for several minutes, gradually increasing the length of time as you become more comfortable with the practice. You may want to start with just a few minutes and gradually work up to longer sessions.

Tips for Successful Candle Meditation

Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your candle meditation practice:

1. Practice regularly: Like any form of meditation, candle meditation takes practice. Try to practice every day for at least a few minutes to get the most benefit.
2. Use a scented candle: Some people find that using a scented candle can enhance their meditation practice. Scents like lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus are known for their calming and relaxing properties. Here is a list of our top 5 best candles for meditation to choose from and use in your practice.
3. Experiment with different candle holders: There are many different types of candle holders available, from traditional glass holders to more unique options like Himalayan salt lamps. Experiment with different types of holders to find one that works best for you.
4. Try guided meditations: If you’re new to meditation or having trouble focusing, try using guided meditation. There are many guided meditations available online that can help you stay focused and relaxed. In order to avoid distractions, we recommend you first download the session you want to listen to and turn off your mobile internet connection. Here is a list of the best meditation apps that work offline.
5. Stay safe: Always practice candle meditation safely and responsibly. Make sure your candle is in a secure holder and keep it away from anything flammable. When you finish your meditation session, turn off the candle.Never leave a burning candle unsupervised. 

Conclusion

Meditating with a candle can be a simple yet powerful way to promote relaxation, mindfulness, and spiritual growth. By following the steps outlined in this article and incorporating candle meditation into your daily routine, you may be able to experience the benefits of this ancient practice for yourself.

It’s important to remember that meditation is a personal practice, and there is no one right way to do it. If you find that candle meditation doesn’t work for you, don’t be discouraged. There are many other forms of meditation to explore, such as breath meditation, mantra meditation, and body scan meditation. The key is to find a form of meditation that resonates with you and that you enjoy.

In addition to regular meditation practice, there are other things you can do to promote relaxation and reduce stress in your life. Some simple self-care practices you may want to consider include getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and spending time in nature.

If you’re interested in exploring other forms of meditation, there are many resources available to help you get started. You may want to consider taking a meditation class, attending a meditation retreat, or reading books on meditation.

Remember to practice regularly, experiment with different techniques, and stay safe. With time and patience, you may find that candle meditation becomes a valuable tool for promoting inner peace and well-being in your life.

Happy candle meditating,

The PurelyCalm Team.