Practice- Candle Meditation
by meditative - October 27th, 2011.Filed under: Attending Meditation Exercises.
Here is a simple attending meditation that will help to bring quiet and stillness to your mind and body. You can practice this “candle meditation” either sitting on a cushion or on a chair in a quiet space. Simply light a candle, and begin to draw your attention to the candle flame through a couple of deep, diaphragmatic breaths. Focus your concentration on the “light” of the flame as you inhale – and exhale any disturbances of the mind or any tension you may feel in your body.
In the here and now, the mind can only concentrate on one thing at a time, so when we keep focused on the candle flame, we tend to let go of other distractions and disturbances and gain a quiet mind. As best you can, try to sustain this practice for at least 5-10 minutes. The “candle meditation” can be quite calming and peaceful even for the true beginner.