Bringing in the light as we move towards the Autumn.

What are the Benefits?

Looking at the candle through slightly closed eyes helps the eyes relax and strengthens them. It also stills the mind by bringing it back to a central point of focus which in turn aids concentration and memory.

Over time this form of meditation trains you to meditate with your eyes open whilst still being able to shut out the things around you.

The candle is also a good representation of what you are. Everyone has the capability of lighting up like a candle, but not everyone is alight.

By focussing on the candle flame, you begin to take in the light and to allow your mind and being to become lighter and more open.

As a consequence you may no longer feel like you can’t achieve things in life, you may move into the space of believing you can, where failure is no longer a fear.

The wax of the candle is symbolic of your physical body while the flame’s aura represents your own aura. The flame’s colour turns to indigo, the nearer it is to the wick, this symbolises the part of you that is pure.

Within the flame’s aura you can see different sheaths. The sheaths become gentle and lighter as they move further away from the flame.

Candle Meditation

How do I practice the meditation?

The best time of day to do this meditation is between 4.00am and 6.00am, and it is best practiced on an empty stomach, although I practiced at night half an hour before bed.

Place the candle on a table in front of you at a distance of approximately 2 to 3 feet away. The room should be dark and free from drafts as the flame must remain as still as possible.

Sit with your back straight and place your hands on your knees, palms facing upwards. Be completely still throughout the meditation.

Stare at the candle flame in front of you. Try not to blink. Let the flame become your sole focus so that you no longer notice anything else in the room.

Keep your eyes open for as long as is possible. When you can no longer keep your eyes open gently close them and try to ‘see’ the candles flame on the back of your eyelids. In my experience I saw it as firstly a green flame shaped light, which quickly turned into a bright red light that would move around in the darkness in front of me.

Try to keep the shape from moving around. It will automatically do this. Try to keep it central. Keep the shape there for as long as possible. Eventually it will fade, when this happens open your eyes again and repeat the process. Start with a short meditation of around 5 minutes with the view to working towards 30 minutes.