Have you ever tried meditating by staring at a flame? I've been drawn to use this practice in my own meditations and I'm curious to know about your experiences and how it worked for you. Let's discuss!
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I am a scented candle connoisseur and happened to have one lit when I found this post, so I tried meditating while looking into the flame. Here is what I experienced:
--The flame-gazing actually absorbed my mind so much that I could not focus on my thoughts. Instead, my visual sense sort of took over my thinking faculties and the only sensation I experienced was flame, bright light in my eyes, etc
--When I tried switching to breaths and envisioning, my eyes blurred and drifted away from the flame. I had to stop thinking/counting breaths and refocus on the flame or else my eyes inadvertently wandered.
--I see value in this practice as a way of truly clearing the mind (which most meditation experts say isn't possible) because the flame sort of trumps thought and going inward.
--I would describe it as meditating while staying very present. I liked it. My eyes are sort of burning the lingering light flashes you get after staring into a bright source for an extended period of time, but I found it relaxing and transporting enough that I would definitely try it again. I am most curious to experience it in a dark room!