Candle Gazing
It's hard to relax at night when there are less distractions. Stress, distress and anxiety are a daily experience these days. Finding focus at least five minutes a day is beneficial. In my weekly Saturday practice, we experience 15 minutes of silence. Silence enhances our wellbeing and allows us to hear our heart. In finding ways to focus this week, I was reminded of candle gazing. There are wonderful benefits to candle gazing.
From rituals magazine, "Candle gazing has been found to help boost our ability to concentrate, whilst simultaneously reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Over time, meditation can help us in our daily lives to be more resilient, more patient, and more focused. It can even help to aid restful sleep." Click here for more information. When gazing, it is recommended to gaze at the bottom of the wick where the blue light is rather than the top of the flame that is moving around.
I want to share a moving poem I heard this week read from Kim Langley's book, Send My Roots Rain, A Companion on the Grief Journey.
Softening the Soul by Robert J. Wicks
Lighting a candle
in a dark room
is a small gentle act of peace.
When the match touches the wick,
time slows down
and the race to the future ceases.
Worries are consumed
anxiety burns out
and I sigh deeply.
Watching the flickering light
is a graceful prayer
which eases my stress and lessens my strain.
Finally when the flame goes out
I turn quietly back,
to the events of the day
And find everything changed because of the time
I sat softening my soul
...by candlelight.
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