How to use your body to soothe your mind.

Calm Practice

Candle Intentions

Time to explore a delicious candle-lighting ritual; a safe place to set intentions, practice mindfulness and just be.

Here’s how!

Find a cozy nook to set up one or more candles. Make it as indulgent and lush as you’d like; some suggestions, include: essential oils, soft pillows, snuggly socks, comfortable clothes, calming music, and dim lighting. 

Before you light the candle, set an intention. It might be to foster more self-compassion, sit with a tricky emotion, or release something that no longer serves you. 

When you have your intention in mind, light your candle to symbolize bringing this intention to focus.

Witness and accept whatever comes to mind. Mindfully observe your thoughts, emotions, and body sensations. Watch them as they arrive and notice as they ebb, flow, and dissolve thanks to your non-judgmental attention.

You can journal about your intention or simply embrace whatever experience you have.

When you have spent the time you need, or found some release, relief, or resolution, you can say “I honor myself and my intention” or “I release this and return to my day”. Blow out the candle to symbolize the end of your practice.

Reference

Ballagh, R. (2024). Candle Intentions. 101 Ways to Find Calm: How to Use Your Body to Soothe Your Mind. P. 124-125.