Clear Your Mind with Candle Gazing
The Soothing Effects of Candle Gazing
by Ann Christine Johnson
The simple act of candle gazing may offer amazing results. In this world of modern technology, our minds are often on overload as we try to work out how to use the latest gadget. Our patience can be sorely tested as we wait on hold, for what seems like forever, to speak to a ‘customer service representative.’ Our senses get overstimulated as we watch movies and music video clips with elevated sound levels and special effects.
Time itself can be swallowed up by interacting with family and friends via apps, role-playing online games, text messages, and social networking. Our bodies get exhausted from living life at such a hectic pace. It is no wonder that our nerves are frayed, and our minds still ticking away when we fall into bed each night. There is a simple solution to this situation: to allocate time some each day to soothe the self. Candle gazing is an effective way to do this.
The technique for candle gazing below is one effective way to do this. It works best first thing in the morning and last thing at night. If you have not used this process before, test drive it and see how you go!
The Process of Candle Gazing
Set up an uncluttered, aesthetically pleasing space in your home where you can meditate each day without being interrupted. This could be a spare room or a small corner of a room suitable for this purpose. Put in this space a small table, candle, candleholder, a straight-backed chair, and portable device with downloaded music suitable for this purpose.
When you have time to do so, go to this space, making sure you have turned off your smartphone. Place a ‘do not disturb’ sign on the door and warn family members that you are not available until the sign has been taken down. Next, set the mood by lighting the candle and placing it in the holder, placing it in the center of the table.
Turning on some relaxing music in the background, closing the curtains and turning off the lights. Then sit down and make yourself comfortable. Be sure that you are sitting with your spine straight, both hands in your lap with palms facing upwards, feet planted firmly on the floor, and eyes partially closed.
Next, take three slow, deep breaths in through your nose, filling the lungs completely, and let each breath out through your mouth with a big sigh. Feel the body start to relax and sink into the chair. Next, focus all your attention on the breathing. Allow the breath to flow in and flow out of your nose in an easy, relaxed manner. Allow the breath to gradually settle into its own rhythm.
Once this has been achieved, spend 30 minutes gazing at the flickering candle flame in front of you. If thoughts come into your awareness, do not try to grab onto them or to push them away. Simply notice them and allow them to disappear—the way information sliding across the bottom of a TV screen may look. Bring your attention back to the breathing.
There is no need to get upset if your mind wanders or to force the thoughts to go, as this may cause you to feel anxious or stressed. When your mind wanders–and it probably will–all you need to do is to bring your attention back to the candle flame in front of you. During this time simply allow whatever occurs to occur. Allow yourself to be open to soothing the mind, body, and spirit simply by being relaxed, yet awake and aware, by remaining calm.
Stay in this state until you are ready to end the process. Then, slowly open your eyes and bring yourself back to full awareness by wriggling your shoulders, fingers, and toes. A word of warning: Avoid rushing around after this process, as this may cause the benefits to wear off–and fast.
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About the Author
Ann C. Johnson Assoc MAPS: General Psychologist has worked in the helping professions for the past 35 years. In the past seven years she has published three books on personal and spiritual development. Inspired by post she reads on Facebook and events that happen in her own life, Ann continues to write articles on a regular basis.
