Meditation by scented candlelight: Here's how it can make your day better!
It's well known that meditation is a great way to improve concentration and learn to ward off stress. But have you ever tried illuminating your daily meditation with candlelight ? Here's how this small gesture can take your daily ritual to a whole new level!
1. Gazing at the light of a candle relaxes...
If meditation is one of your wellness rituals , you'll be familiar with mantras or mental visualization techniques . Lighting a candle and meditating with the light , however, can help you focus on something physical rather than the rhythm of words. Simply observing the burning flame helps you relax and forget the stresses of the day.
...The calming effect of candles is due to their less dazzling light compared to artificial ones, as well as to their slow movement: light sources whose spectrum contains a percentage of natural red light are more relaxing than those with a high percentage of blue light (computers, TVs).
A high percentage of blue light inhibits the secretion of melatonin, which is necessary for proper sleep regulation.
This is why lighting a candle in the evening promotes relaxation: thanks to the high percentage of red light, the body can secrete melatonin undisturbed, while you read a book and slowly doze off.
To get the most out of the simple act of lighting a candle, simply turn off or dim all other lights and let the candlelight alone illuminate the room.
If you suffer from concentration difficulties, anxiety, or stress, staring into a candle flame from a short distance for a few minutes could bring you significant relief: the mind calms and a feeling of relaxation takes over, just as an ancient yoga technique teaches.
2. Choosing a scented candle activates all the other senses...
For a multisensory effect, you can choose scented candles : the aroma released will also relax the body! The trick is to choose candles with natural scents, like Biancamore candles, entirely made in Italy and inspired by the scents of Cilento:
- Air , fresh and light like the southern breeze;
- Water , inspired by the scent of a sunny Mediterranean day;
- Fire , with an intense and decisive fragrance.
When meditating with candles , the scent you choose depends on the type of effect you want to achieve. If you need relaxation, choose light and calming fragrances, while if your meditation focuses on awakening your body and mind, you can opt for stronger and more energetic scents.
3. A few minutes of meditation a day, to live more peacefully.
Have you ever meditated by candlelight? Don't worry, there's always time to start! First, choose a room where you won't be disturbed, with an optimal temperature for your body; dim the lights and:
- Place the candle in front of you, at eye level or slightly lower, approximately 50 cm away;
- Sit in your favorite position (on a chair, on the floor, cross-legged... whatever you like!);
- Simply gaze into the candlelight and let its image fill your entire mind.
Okay, this last part is definitely easier said than done: your mind will be caught up in the flow of habitual thoughts (commitments, things to do, positive and negative emotions, etc.). The secret is to start gradually by setting a timer: from a few minutes in the first few days to 15/20 minutes as you feel you're mastering your mind.
An important part of meditation is imagination, so when you feel ready you can imagine:
- To inhale and exhale the candlelight;
- Absorb and release its heat with your breath.
At the end of the meditation, remember to gratefully welcome the feeling of purification that comes from the light and warmth of the candle.
4. Handle candles with care!
Candle meditation has no contraindications, but remember to:
- Don't create an overly relaxing environment: you run the risk of falling asleep with the candle lit!
- Extinguish the candle before leaving the room;
- Do not leave the candle lit in the presence of animals or children or with windows open;
- Do not place flammable materials near the candle.
5. Making time for yourself warms the heart.
Dedicating at least 10 minutes a day to your well-being is a habit that can improve your lifestyle. Create small rituals to prepare for the day or welcome the evening: a morning sun salutation, a hot bath in the evening, a moment of meditation: if you add the light of a scented candle to these short rituals, you'll create the right atmosphere for a true detox!
