Candle Meditation
Trataka is a technique used in a meditation practice during Hatha yoga. It translates to "to look" or "to gaze" and involves staring at a single point of focus. Typically, the flame of a candle is used as the point of focus, but other objects may be used such as a spot on the wall, an object of worship, or even the rising sun. Meditating in this way is believed to energize the third eye chakra, which is associated with intuition, wisdom, and psychic abilities. Gazing upon a flickering flame causes our brains to shift out of our constant Beta brainwave state, which is associated with reactivity, thinking, and alertness, into the Alpha brainwave state, associated with a relaxed state and creativity. Alpha brainwaves then transform into Theta brainwaves, which are associated with meditation and intuition. And all this happens within a matter of minutes.
Brainwave shifting has been around for centuries and not only in yogic practices. The Hebrew davening, Native American drum circles as well as rain chants, Tibetan prayer bowls, African trance dancing and more can all slow the brain waves from the hyper-alert high brain frequency of Beta to Alpha for meditation, and then Theta for deep relaxation. If you're experiencing burnt out, are too wired to sleep, or just experiencing sensory overload due to screens and artificial light, try shutting off the lights and light a candle instead. The results can be transformative for both your body and soul.
Here's a few steps to get you started:
1. Light a candle made with natural waxes such as beeswax or soy. The cleaner the candle, the better.
2. Dim or turn off the lights so the flame will stand out.
3. Sit cross-legged about a metre away and at eye level with the candle.
4. Take deep, slow breaths, inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth to help your body relax.
5. Focus on the flame as it flickers and changes shape, height, and colour. Keep your attention on the flame for about ten minutes trying not to blink. If you blink or thought wonder, address them and then bring your focus back to the flame.
6. When your eyes start to water and tears flow, close your eyes and focus on the after-glow of the flame, bringing awareness to the third eye.
7. If you'd like, say your prayers or affirmations right after your candle meditation.
Would you give candle meditation a try?
Brainwave shifting has been around for centuries and not only in yogic practices. The Hebrew davening, Native American drum circles as well as rain chants, Tibetan prayer bowls, African trance dancing and more can all slow the brain waves from the hyper-alert high brain frequency of Beta to Alpha for meditation, and then Theta for deep relaxation. If you're experiencing burnt out, are too wired to sleep, or just experiencing sensory overload due to screens and artificial light, try shutting off the lights and light a candle instead. The results can be transformative for both your body and soul.
Here's a few steps to get you started:
1. Light a candle made with natural waxes such as beeswax or soy. The cleaner the candle, the better.
2. Dim or turn off the lights so the flame will stand out.
3. Sit cross-legged about a metre away and at eye level with the candle.
4. Take deep, slow breaths, inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth to help your body relax.
5. Focus on the flame as it flickers and changes shape, height, and colour. Keep your attention on the flame for about ten minutes trying not to blink. If you blink or thought wonder, address them and then bring your focus back to the flame.
6. When your eyes start to water and tears flow, close your eyes and focus on the after-glow of the flame, bringing awareness to the third eye.
7. If you'd like, say your prayers or affirmations right after your candle meditation.
Would you give candle meditation a try?