Candle Gazing - One Approach.

 

Begin by selecting a candle that burns clean and with a wide wick. 

OR
Make your own! Just three ‘ingredients’: 

Find a small metal holder for your candle.  I use a tea light that has been burned and wick removed. 

Gather up a small amount of a cotton ball or the cotton that is often found in capsule containers. 

Ghee – a form of clarified butter, found at most grocery stores, or you can make your own. [I use the vegan form.]  

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To Assemble:

 

Create a little roll out of the cotton. 

Dip both ends of the roll in the ghee. For longer burning candle, you can place some ghee directly in the metal holder and then just dip one end of the cotton in the ghee. 

Place the cotton in the metal holder. 

Place the metal holder on a heat proof surface. [This will get very hot so take appropriate precautions.]

Gazing Options:

  • Light the upper end of the cotton or the wick, and place your candle a couple feet away from you. 

  • You may want to elevate the candle so it is navel height or higher. 

  • Find a comfortable position where the spine is long and the body is comfortable.

  • Close the eyes, connect with breath, and take a few breaths until you feel grounded. 

  • Open the eyes and softly gaze at the candle. 

  • You might choose to do this unblinking [the eyes will tear and be cleansed.]. 

  • You might choose to blink normally. 

  • Your gaze may be held at the place between the cotton wick and the edge of the flame. 

  • When the mind wanders, come back to your breath. 

  • Close the eyes as needed; open when you are comfortably able to do so. 

  • Let there be no stress or strain. 

  • Know you cannot do this wrong (as long as the flame is safely contained.)

    Enjoy! Notice the impact this may have on your day or, if practiced in the evening, your sleep.