Nood

Anxiety Is A (Bleep)…

Life's hectic pace can leave even the coolest cucumbers feeling frazzled. When anxiety strikes and you need to find your inner calm in a hurry, we've got a few things in our little box of tips + tricks that'll have you back in your cozy place like a baby kitten in front of a roaring fireplace. I present to you *Candle Flame Meditation,* a speedy relaxation technique that'll douse the flames of anxiety and leave you feeling as cool, calm and cozy.
There’s an Ancient Art To It
Let's take a few beats back to ancient times, when people didn't have the luxury of swiping their problems to the side on a touchscreen. In these bygone eras, our ancestors discovered the power of stillness, and Candle Flame Meditation aka *Anxiety Melting* was born. Unlike today's endless digital distractions, meditating on a candle flame offers an immediate escape from anxiety's grip.
How Does It Work?
So, the secret to this isn’t so much mind-blowing as it is potent mind- melting. It's all about focus, baby, laser-focused attention. In a world where your brain juggles at minimum one-thousand thoughts per day, directing your gaze to one tiny flame places you in the center of calm. The mind's chatter starts to fade into the background, and you're left with the present moment.

Anxiety Melting

In a quiet room, your focus is entirely on a candle's gentle, flickering flame. It feels like an invitation into a serene world. As you continue to gaze at it, you'll notice something profound happening within. Your racing thoughts gradually slow down, the knots of tension in your shoulders ease, and that persistent anxiety begins to loosen its grip. It's literally stunning how just a few short minutes can transform you from crashing nerves to a blanket of calm. Sometimes, it really is the littlest things in life that make a big impact, like Anxiety Melting.

Your Quick Candle Flame Meditation Guide

Preparation — Find a quiet space where you won't be disturbed. Place a candle at eye level, about an arm's length away. Light it up, baby!
Posture — Get comfy. You can sit cross-legged on the floor or in a chair with your feet flat on the ground. Keep your back straight but not stiff, and rest your hands on your lap or knees.
Gaze — Fix your gaze on the candle flame. Let your eyes relax as they take in the dance of the flickering light.
Breathing: Take a few deep breaths to settle in. Inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth. Let go of any tension with each exhale.
Focus — Keep your attention on the flame. If your mind starts to wander (which it will because, well, minds are like cats with wanderlust), gently guide it back to the flame without judgment.
Time — Start with just five minutes. As you become more comfortable with the practice, you can extend your meditation time.

Noodies, Candle Flame Meditation aka Anxiety Melting isn't about achieving a perfectly still mind. It's about finding a moment of respite from anxiety's grip and reconnecting with your inner calm. So, next time you're feeling frazzled, light that candle, gaze into the flame, and let your anxiety melt away. Sending big (HUGS), you've got this!

Caution: Please maintain the highest level of safety for yourself and others when dealing with fire during any ritual that suggests using the fire element in the form of a candle.