The benefits of candle gazing meditation
Lose anxious thoughts, improve your concentration and much more
Text: Rachel L
Over the years, meditation has seen a rise in popularity as a proven way to practice self-care by easing stress and anxiety, and for many, meditation has become an essential part of their daily routine, with it being a time to rejuvenate and refresh themselves. While most would be familiar with the term “meditation”, awareness of the different forms of meditation and how to practice them isn’t as common. One more less well-known practice is Trataka meditation which involves focusing the eyes on a single spot through intent but relaxed gazing. Though some might choose to focus on a single dot or the rising sun, many have found that utilising candles in their Trataka meditation rituals offers the flexibility and accessibility for most to fit it into their schedules. We explored the many benefits of candle gazing meditation and best ways to practice it.
Benefits of candle meditation
Helps to soothe an anxious mind
Like all forms of meditation, candle gazing meditation works as an exercise to withdraw from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The candle serves as a single point of focus, allowing for other cares and worries to fall away in those few moments. Those who practice it have often remarked feeling refreshed, at peace, and rejuvenated afterwards.
2. Improves concentration, discipline, and willpower
The daily practice of meditation involves a certain degree of self-discipline, requiring you to make the effort to carve out time to incorporate it into your schedule. The ritual itself requires high levels of concentration and even cultivates perseverance as those that practice it challenge themselves to keep their eyes open a little longer each day. On top of that, this form of meditation is perfect for those who find their mind wandering constantly the moment their eyelids are shut. With the candle flame providing something to focus on, many find themselves finally able to fully concentrate and reap the maximum benefits of practicing meditation.
3. Ensures greater clarity and better decision making
Candle meditation allows you to soak in the beauty of the moment and lose the emotional and mental baggage that you might be shouldering. As it helps to untangle the mess of thoughts and worries in your mind, you’ll find yourself in a better headspace to make decisions.
4. Deepens sleep and help with insomnia
Ever been kept awake by racing thoughts or nagging inner voices? Sleep is our body’s natural mechanism for restoration and repair- skipping a good night’s rest can have adverse effects on our mental and physical health. As mentioned, candle gazing meditation can help us get rid of stress, negative emotions, and destructive thoughts that interfere with our ability to sleep. Take a few minutes to practice it before heading for bed and you might find yourself sound asleep in no time!
5. Improves vision
Bothered by the watery eyes you get from all that candle gazing? Don’t be too quick to grumble- the tears produced help to clear your eyes of any dirt or impurities in them. And while there is no medical research to prove it, many have reported an improvement in their short-sightedness as one of the long-term effects of practicing candle gazing meditation.
How to practice it
Candle gazing meditation involves staring at the flame of a candle for 1-3 minutes without blinking or turning your gaze away. Some have also found it helpful to select a certain space to help them get into the appropriate mindset easily and avoid any distractions. While carrying out the meditation, ensure that you maintain a relaxed gaze instead of staring and that your candle is positioned at eye level. If your eyes start to water, don’t worry and don’t stop! Instead, continue watching the candle till you physically cannot keep your eyes open any longer. At this point, close your eyes and continue to maintain the image of the candle flame in your mind.
To avoid straining your eyes, do not gaze at the candle for more than 10 minutes, this is sufficient amount of time to reap the benefits. When selecting your candles, make sure to avoid non-toxic candles and instead select those made from natural ingredients such as beeswax or soy wax. Go grab a candle, quiet space and give it a try!
