Our ancestors knew a thing or two about naturally supporting their health. As the world becomes increasingly troubled and fears about the future of our planet and all living things grow, many of us are drawn to reconnect with ancient practices and seek soothing solace in knowledge from them.
In many ways, looking to the past for inspiration makes sense, as it also connects us to far simpler times, and in this simplicity, we can feel soothed and safe.
And so, this Winter we are turning off our technology, drawing the curtains and dimming the lights, to create mindful moments of cosiness and comfort within our homes.
Join us in the age-old Winter tradition of candle lighting, as we share three practices to take us from feeling anxious to a place of relaxation, rest and restoration, in both body and mind.
Rest in a Winter Glow
In our dark and distant past, before we could simply switch on a light, we would have sought refuge and human connection around a fire, storytelling, bonding and attuning to each other, as our minds and bodies entered a calm state.
We may or may not be lighting fires this winter but many of us light candles, and it is in this amber glow that we can bathe in the soothing light that aids a more restful state.
Set aside some undisturbed time, turning off bright lights and all distracting technology, like TVs, laptops, tablets and phones, and if it is mobile technology, removing them can deepen the experience.
Now relax on the sofa, curl up in a chair or snuggle into a beanbag with a cosy blanket and just be. Breathe gently, with no agenda and allow the amber glow to soothe you, safe in the knowledge that our bodies know what to do.
This amber light signals rest, melatonin is released, and we can just be.
Pause for Glimmers of Hope
Humans are wired for survival, and day-to-day living can feel hard, with complex systems working away in the background constantly detecting if we are safe or in danger.
With our bodies primed to rest in candlelight now is the perfect time to focus on Glimmers, those tiny micro-moments in the day that brought us a sense of joy, belonging or calm.
In this amber stillness, reflect on your day, and the simple things that lifted your spirits and warmed your heart. This practice can bring a sense of calm contentment and increase feelings of wellbeing, and the sense of safety that we all need to live well.
If you’d like to collect your glimmers, you can journal or simply add them to a notebook to comfort you, when times are feeling more difficult, and Glimmers feel more hard to come by.
Soften your Gaze and slow your mind
The practice of candle gazing, or Trataka, is something that has been used in yoga and Ayurvedic Medicine for centuries and I wanted to end with a similar, if less formal practice, in the hope it is something that can be easily integrated into your evening wind down routine.
Settle in a chair or on your sofa with the candle in front of you, on a table or safe stable surface without drafts, and bring your attention to your candle flame, and as you gently ‘gaze,’ allow your thoughts to come and go, without chasing them or paying them too much attention.
Can you sit in acceptance of your thoughts, not fighting them but in self-kindness, just allow them, and once noticed, can you let them go, allowing them to float on by, like clouds and drift away.
This can be a gentle practice, allowing your eyes to rest by blinking and gently softening your gaze and looking away. Allowing yourself to rest your eyes and your mind and body, you can gently return your soft gaze to the flame.
Notice the shapes, patterns and shades of amber that you see in the flickering flame, notice, if you feel safe and comfortable, how your body feels, and perhaps the qualities of your breath.
Can you gently notice how thoughts, worries and the burdens of your day may have become more distant and not be weighing quite so heavy on your mind?
If you have a health condition that can make focus on light uncomfortable, or in any way unsafe, please do seek medical support and advice before practising. If you have a history of trauma or any sense of discomfort, please adapt the practices to your comfort and if you feel you would like to close your eyes and focus on your body, this is an option but not necessary for you to feel more relaxed and soothed.
Remember, you can simply light a candle and allow the comforting colours, flicker of the candle and perhaps soothing scent to help you relax, rest and restore.
As this year will soon come to an end, I hope you can find some time to be kind to yourselves and recharge for the year ahead and let’s hold onto hope that brighter times lie ahead.
Be well,
Jayne
