Generally, when I meditate, I commit to an active exercise with clear and concise intentions. I’m a very goal-driven person, and this tends to be reflected in the meditations I conduct. However, the other day, I found the most refreshing reprise from this when I chose to meditate in candlelight with a soft intention of just existing. Sometimes, having a soft mindful state set as your intention can bring rich benefits. It allows you to be fluid to experience whatever journey your guidance presents to you. I opened the Expand app and played a Freeflow exercise via the Relaxation and Healing signals in the Timer section of the app. The benefits astounded me.

As I sat in the dim light of my flickering candle, I was able to ground myself by watching the flame dance lightly around the tip of the wick. There was a mesmerizing peace that came with watching the gentle movement and studying how it reflected dimly on the walls of my bedroom. I noticed I could feel the movement of the flame’s energy swirling back and forth. Fire always seems so energetic, and this becomes much more noticeable from a place of serenity. Watching the flame grounded me, and feeling it flicker and dance also helped me build the energy I sought to use to heal in this exercise. 

As I closed my eyes, I felt grounded yet ready to experience whatever adventure this exercise was going to bring. With the flickering candle dancing just beyond my closed eyelids, I could visualize this warm, white dancing light growing larger and consuming me. With it, I felt a powerful healing energy come through and heal each part of myself that needed it, whether it be physical, mental, or emotional. I felt a warm cleansing energy from the glowing light, and I thought to myself, “Huh—I guess I really did need to relax and heal.” From there, I felt each part of my body loosen, releasing the tight pains and tensions one small part at a time. Then I felt all the emotional pains I’ve been holding onto drain away from me.

As I closed my eyes, I felt grounded yet ready to experience whatever adventure this exercise was going to bring. With the flickering candle dancing just beyond my closed eyelids, I could visualize this warm, white dancing light growing larger and consuming me.

I immediately felt lighter and freer. Seeing the dancing flame from this newly cleansed state made my soul want to dance. I visualized my energies dancing around the room while my body was still in its relaxed state. I’m not sure I can adequately describe what it feels like to have your nonphysical body dance while your physical body lies asleep, but it was unlike anything I’ve experienced before: playful, creative, and free. I felt my energies move back and forth with the light of the candle like a wave being pulled back and forth by ocean tides. Somehow, it was one of the most unexpected healing experiences I’ve had to date.

If you’d like to try meditating with a more passive intention, I encourage you to light a candle and see how the candlelight affects you. This was something I did on a whim, and it provided one of the most interesting meditations I’ve had in quite a while. I highly recommend it for a uniquely freeing experience gifted to you by your higher self.