Lighting a Candle with Intention

Sometimes the act of lighting a candle is just that—lighting a candle.

But other times, it can be something more.

If you’re here, I’m guessing you might already know what I mean.

You might be reaching for a small moment of calm. A breath before the day begins. A pause after it ends. A gentle way to mark a shift—from work to home, from noise to stillness, from outside to in.

This is a simple ritual for those kinds of moments.

You don’t need anything special—just the candle you’ve chosen, a way to light your candle, your breath, and a bit of stillness.

A Quiet Candle Ritual

• Hold your unlit candle for a moment...
  Notice the weight of it in your hands. Let your shoulders drop and your jaw soften.
• Breathe in slowly...
  Notice the scent of the candle. Are there any feelings or memories that pop into your mind?
• And breathe out...
  Think about how you would like to feel—refreshed? centered? energized? If you can, imagine that feeling in your body now.
• Strike the match—or press the lighter—and light the wick...
  As you light the candle, say aloud or in your mind, "I am [fill in your feeling] now."
• As the flame catches, watch it flicker...
  Let its light and warmth be a small reminder that you are allowed to be however you want to be. That this moment is enough. And that you are, too.

When you’re ready, carry on.
Let the candle stay with you as a companion—quiet, steady, grounding.

And know you can come back to this practice anytime you need to.