Merry Christmas Eve everybody! How is everyone today? I hope you are as peaceful and calm as a midnight candle-lit church service. If you don't feel that way, take some time out to do a nice meditation. Here's some free soothing music to tune into while you relax: fireside music.
Today I want to talk about candle light meditation, also called candle gazing or Trataka. You know that zoned out feeling you get staring at the fire? That's what I'm talking about. This is an open eye meditation. This is a good meditation for people like me who have a constant wondering mind or monkey mind.
How to do trataka: Choose a quiet and darkened space where you will not be disturbed. Dim light is best for candle gazing, so close the curtains if it’s day. Remove distractions like phones or turn them off.
Make sure you’re wearing comfortable clothing and the room is a comfortable temperature. If it’s chilly, a blanket or shawl can help you stay warm as you sit.
Sit on a chair, the floor or a cushion, so the candle flame is at eye level and about 2 feet away. How you sit is up to you–choose a comfortable position. Just make sure you’re sitting up straight and can remain completely still while meditating.
Stare at the candle and allow it to be the main focus of your mind. Hold your eyes steady even if you feel distracted or bored. Your eyes may begin to water, but hold steady and the sensation will pass. If you blink or get distracted, just return your attention to the flame.
As you gaze at the candle, breath. Focus on the sensation of the light flowing into you with each inhalation. As time passes, the room around you will fade until your only awareness is the flame.
When your meditation is done, lay down and close your eyes for five minutes. This will allow your mind and body to come back to full awareness before you continue your day.
You can select a candle color if you want to focus on something in particular like a goal or manifestation. Here's a quick guide:
White – Purity, clarity, innocence, simplicity, completion
Gold – Abundance, prosperity, wealth, spirituality
Violet – Commitment, reverence, higher consciousness
Indigo – Imagination, insight, wisdom, clarity of thought
Blue – Creativity, self expression, communication, relaxation, trust
Turquoise – Independence, protection, healing
Green – Forgiveness, compassion, inspiration, hope, love, freedom, healing
Yellow – Ambition, inner power, self esteem, self respect, self discipline, confidence, courage, generosity
Orange – Sensuality and sexual energy, friendship, optimism, happiness
Red – Courage, strength, vitality, survival, family bonding
Pink – Empathy, loyalty
If you are like many of us, you are home and trying to stay safe and may not be around family or friends like you normally would for this holiday. Use this time for reflection. If you want to feel like you are still part of life outside your home, I suggest taking a walk around your neighborhood to look at the Christmas lights. Even if you don't celebrate Christmas, it's still enjoyable to see the festive lights and sometimes catch glimpses of families gathering indoors.
This holiday is not calm and bright for everyone. Sadly, many of us are more alone than ever this holiday season. If you are feeling lonely and distraught, please hold on tight for hope. If you ever feel like you are not safe or want to harm yourself, please find help immediately. Call 911 or contact NAMI who's information I have on my website lindsayloomis.com
I wish nothing but comfort and joy for you tonight and tomorrow. And if you are staying home tomorrow and wondering what in the world you will fill your time with, no worries, I'll be right back here tomorrow for Yule Blog day 25. See you then!
PS Tomorrow I will also unveil a huge announcement! I am so excited to share this with you!
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