Candle Meditation

Use a small, steady light as a place to return your gaze. This screen version provides a simple candle-like focus point without a physical flame. It is an attention exercise, not a challenge to stare without blinking.

Prepare the screen and your seat

Set the screen at a comfortable distance and use a brightness that feels easy to look at. You do not need a dark room or a bright display. Sit in a chair or another supported position, then look at the light without leaning toward it. Leave the timer within reach so you can pause or stop without changing your whole setup.

A five-minute soft-gaze practice

Read the sequence before pressing Start. The closing bell marks the end; the timer does not signal each section. Let the minute divisions be approximate and keep the light in view only while it is comfortable.

1. For the first minute, notice the chair or floor supporting you. Let your eyes move naturally while you settle.
2. For the next two minutes, rest your gaze near the light. You can notice its warm color and simple outline without trying to keep the image perfectly sharp.
3. When attention moves into a thought, recognize that shift and look toward the light again. Do not hold your breath or fix your eyes rigidly.
4. During the final two minutes, include the surrounding screen and room in your awareness. Let the light remain one part of what you see.

When the bell sounds, look at another part of the room and move your shoulders or hands if you want to. There is no need to look for an afterimage or repeat the exercise until something unusual happens. Ordinary seeing is enough for this practice.

Adjusting the anchor

If the light feels too bright, lower the display brightness or choose a plain object nearby instead. If your eyes feel dry, tired, or uncomfortable, blink, look away, or end the exercise. A visual anchor is optional. Feeling your feet on the floor or listening to an ordinary room sound may fit the moment better.

You can leave your eyes open throughout other kinds of meditation too. The important choice is an anchor you can return to comfortably, not whether you can maintain a particular gaze. This screen light is intentionally still so it does not compete for attention with rapid flicker or animation.

If you prefer a physical candle

The screen tool does not require one. If you choose to use a real candle, follow its fire-safety instructions and keep it away from anything that can burn. Do not leave it burning unattended or use it when you might fall asleep. You can keep the same soft-gaze practice with an unlit object and avoid an open flame altogether.