Welcome to the candle gazing meditation,
Trattic.
While most meditation is practiced with your eyes closed,
Focusing attention inward,
Trattic is a different type of meditation where you keep your eyes open and focused on a small point or object.
For our purposes here today in this meditation,
We will use a candle.
Your attention is focused on the flame or just between the wick and the flame.
Candle gazing meditation can help bring energy to the third eye energy center,
Can increase concentration and improve memory.
Other benefits may include improved eyesight,
Alleviates insomnia,
Headaches,
Depression,
Anxiety and fatigue,
Alleviates stress,
Calms the mind and above all brings inner peace.
Through consistent Trattic meditation,
You can find an increased state of awareness which will hone your attention and focus.
Because this meditation is done with your eyes open,
It's a great option for people who have a wandering mind.
By concentrating on a physical object,
It can be easier to stay focused.
When your gaze is focused on the flame or candle,
You see nothing else.
This allows your mind to fully focus on the candle as everything else in the room fades away from your awareness.
At the same time,
Any thoughts or distractions will also fade away.
To begin,
Choose a quiet and darkened space where you will not be disturbed and there is no drafts in the room.
Sit on the floor,
A cushion or a chair,
So your spine is tall and you can remain completely still throughout this meditation.
Place a candle about 2 feet away and at eye level.
If you wear glasses,
Remove them and place the candle where it's visually comfortable.
Softly begin to focus on the top end of the wick of the candle as the candle burns.
As you gaze at the candle,
Breathe.
Focus on the sensation of the light flowing into you with each inhalation.
Keep your eyes relaxed while fixing your gaze on the wick and try not to blink.
As time passes,
The room around you will fade until your only awareness is the flame.
At first,
It may be difficult to keep your eyes open for long without blinking.
Try to relax your eyes as much as possible and try to keep them open.
Then you can no longer keep your eyes open without strain,
Slowly and gently close them.
You may find that your eyes are tearing.
Allow the tears to flow and cleanse your eyes.
This is the purification that occurs from the flame within.
The fire within is releasing all the past negative energies that no longer serve you and are unresourceful.
When you're ready to begin again,
Focus your eyes on the tip of the wick again and allow it to be the main focus of your mind.
Hold your eyes steady and even,
Even if you feel distracted.
Your eyes may begin to water,
But hold steady,
The sensation will pass.
If you blink or get distracted,
Just return your attention to the flame by keeping the gaze constant for some time.
Once you start tearing,
Close your eyes and try to visualize the inner image of the flame between your eyebrows.
If you don't see the image of the flame,
Don't be disappointed.
You should start seeing it with practice.
Keep the eyes closed for as long as you see the inner image.
Even when you're ready,
Begin the candle gaze again.
Gently focus your awareness to the end of the wick of the candle as the candle burns.
As you gaze at the candle,
Breathe.
Focus on the sensation of the light flowing into you with each inhalation,
Keeping your eyes relaxed,
Keeping a fixed gaze on the wick,
And try not to blink.
Notice the room fading around you,
As the only awareness is the flame.
When your meditation is done,
Lay down and close your eyes.
Your body will tell you naturally when you're ready to get up,
Giving yourself some time just to be in your own inner stillness.
If you practice this before sleep,
Simply close your eyes and allow your body and mind to rest peacefully.
Namaste.
Namaste.
Namaste.
Namaste.
