Candle Gazing Meditation; Does It Help You Focus Better?

What people have to say about us humans now is that we have the attention span of a goldfish, which is a maximum of 8 seconds. However, not everyone agrees with this statement. Nonetheless, focus as well as relaxation are two things that we humans desire more of. Do you think it is possible for a person to settle their nerves and calm their mind solely by concentrating on a singular object, such as a candle? In accordance with the ancient candle gazing meditation technique, the answer to this question might be yes.

Ivan Oboleninov/Pexels | Amongst many other benefits, improved sleep is a benefit that comes from candle gazing meditation

How does candle gazing meditation work? Is it safe for your eyes to stare at the flame of a candle? Here is all you need to know.

What Is It?

Candle gazing meditation is also often referred to as yogic gazing or trakata. A Southeast Asian classical language known as Sanskrit translates the word trakata to “to gaze” or “to look.” Board-certified holistic health practitioner, Panchakarma specialist, and founder and CEO of New York Ayurveda & Panchakarma Center known by the name of Nisha Saini says that nowadays, people are extremely distracted.

And that they have forgotten how to calm down and relax. She says that after the crisis of the covid19 pandemic, people find difficulty in concentrating their minds and finding a state of peace. Looking at an object for a long time seems to help in clearing your mind and helping you focus.

Tim Gouw/Pexels | Saini says that the covid19 pandemic caused people to find difficulty in finding a state of calm

Benefits 

The supporters of this practice say that there are many benefits of candle gazing meditation. Some of them are:

• Improved mental health 
• Increased focus as well as cognitive performances
• Improved sleep quality
• Improved spatial attention and memory
• Improved eye health

 Is It Safe?

While it has not been 100% decided and concluded whether candle gazing meditation is beneficial for the eyes’ health, there is no doubt that it does no harm or damage to the eye generally. Furthermore, there are still safety precautions that one must keep in mind. 

Candle gazing meditation is not advised if;

• You are prone to seizures 
• You have a mental health condition with psychosis such as schizophrenia
• You have taken alcohol or drugs
• You have glaucoma, myopia, or serious eye disorders.

Dhivakaran S/Pexels | Follow these exact steps to perform candle gazing meditation and watch how your lifestyle improves!

How To Do It

Here are the steps on how to perform candle gazing meditation;

1. Decide a time of the day that is ideal for you
2. Find a quiet and dark place that has minimal interruptions or distractions
3. Sit with your back straight, with the candle at your eye level.
4. Settle your intentions in your mind and take a couple of deep breaths.
5. Set a timer for a minute.
6. Imitate and follow the candle flame’s movement with your eyes.
7. Take note of the thoughts that enter your mind and slowly disregard them with zero judgment. 
8. Try to blink as little as possible.
9. Conclude with appreciation as well as a commitment to come back.