Candle Gazing Meditation
Candle gazing is a type of meditation used to bring you back to a sense of inner peace. Sitting quietly while staring into a flame with sincere intention.
Benefits of candle gazing or Trataka (to gaze):
Improves awareness
Enhances eyesight & vision
Improves concentration
Reduces stress & anxiety
Brings clarity & inner stillness
Distractions dissolve
Improves sleep & can ease headaches
Lubricates dry eyes
How to practice Trataka
Light a candle and place it around 3-4in front of you at eye level.
- Sit in a comfortable posture with the spine upright with shoulders and facial muscles relaxed.
- It is important that the flame remains steady during the concentration routine. So, make sure that there no breeze to disturb the flame.
- Take a few deep breaths to begin the process of relaxation with your eyes closed. This will allow the breath to settle down and bring you into the present moment.
- Blink your eyes open and bring your gaze to the flame intently and keep your gaze on it without getting distracted towards outer disturbances or thoughts.
- Keep your vision focused and steady on the flame without blinking, for as long as it is comfortable. Sit in complete stillness staring into the flame and breathing slowly and evenly.
- Keep your gaze anchored on the flame. When thoughts come to mind, only become aware of them and then let them go.
- Continue to gaze at the flame until you cannot keep your eyes open any longer. Once this happens, close your eyes.
- When you close the eyes, bring your attention to the internal point between the eyebrows (the third eye center).
- Slowly bring your awareness back to your breathing and begin to watch the natural flow of breath.
- You can open your eyes at this point and repeat the full gazing routine as many times as you like.
-Take your time re-entering your daily activities with a renewed sense of well-being and calm.