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Stillness Practices

Flickering Flame Rest

Visual / Sight-Based

A practice that utilizes the gentle, organic motion of a candle flame to anchor an anxious mind. The shifting yet predictable movement provides a comforting focal point that keeps your attention from wandering.

Instructions

  1. Light a candle: Place a candle securely on a table roughly arm's length away from your face. 

  2. Dim external lights: Turn down the overhead room lights to make the flame the primary visual source. 

  3. Watch the center: Gaze directly into the warm dancing center of the flame. 

  4. Observe the shifts: Notice the tiny changes in color, height, and motion without trying to analyze them. 

  5. Let thoughts dissolve: Imagine your busy, racing thoughts are simply melting into the heat of the fire. 

  6. Blow out to finish: After 3 to 5 minutes, take a deep breath, blow out the flame, and sit in the dark stillness.

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