Recently I ventured into our Melbourne City with my two grand daughters. We visited St. Paul’s Cathedral as we have a significant family connection to this church and I wanted the girl’s to hear these stories and feel this connection. (Their Great, Great, Great Grandfather Clemence Langford built the Spires and their Great, Great Grandfather Canon Wenzel, was a minister here for 15 years). The girls were in awe of this beautiful building but what particularly caught their attention was the sign saying, ‘Light a candle for peace’.

Watching them light their candles, pausing, taking a moment to express gratitude and to think about those who’s world is no longer safe reminded me that lighting candles is a beautiful and powerful ritual. Each birthday we eagerly await the moment the candles on the cake are lit, happy birthday sung and the lucky birthday person taking the time to make a secret wish before blowing out the flames.

Lighting a candle in our homes can also bring this sense of ritual and occasion. We can use this time to reflect and remember a loved one, express gratitude for our day, connect to the divine or simply take a mindful moment to listen to the burning wick, smell the scent of the wax as it melts and watch the dancing flame.

If you would like to delve deeper into the magic of a candle flame you could practice ‘Trataka’.

Trataka is an ancient meditation practice originating from the Hatha Yoga tradition and involves focusing your attention on a candle flame.

To practice, gaze into the flame of a candle. Observe everything about this flame; the colours, the smoke drifting away at the tip of the flame and the movement of the flame as it dances and sways. Maintain this focus for several minutes then close your eyes and observe as the image of the flame appears at your ajna chakra, your third eye, the centre point between your eyebrows. Keep your attention here until this image fades away then, open your eyes focusing on the flame once more. Repeat this process for about 10 minutes.

The practice of Trataka is thought to improve memory and concentration as well as helping to reduce stress and anxiety. It is a wonderful way to experience mindfulness and bring yourself into the present moment.

Note: Do not practice if you have Epilepsy or Glaucoma.

Light a candle in your home today, make this moment intentional and most importantly remember to blow it out before bedtime.

Di xx

Why we love to light candles