Stare to improve your health
If you have trouble focusing during sit-down or standing meditation, trataka may be for you, writes Stephen Heard.
The basics
One of the several methods of mediation, trataka is consciously staring to the point where your mind drifts off to a higher plain.
Where meditation generally requires the participant to sit cross-legged with the eyes closed, trataka is the ultimate gawking contest, bringing attention to an object or specific point for an extended amount of time to increase focus, attention and awareness.
Candle gazing is a popular example, in which participants look directly into the heart of a flame.
Giving it a bash
It was recommended I find a dark, distraction-free space for this candle gazing session.
The curtains were drawn, the perfect non-scented candle was selected and my phone was placed out of sight on flight mode.
With the candle sitting at eye level, arm’s length away, I began some drawn out breathing exercises.
My soundtrack guide encouraged me to relax my face, release tension in my body and inhale some loving energy of the earth.
The objective was to block out distractions from the outside world and find focus in the flickering light, taking note of the different colours and shapes from the tip to the base of the flame.
Just like my thoughts, the flame danced continuously. Twenty minutes seemed like an excruciatingly long time for a debut candle gazing session, so I cut the experience in half.
The intention was to keep the eyes open as long as possible without blinking. While the concentrated breathing was pleasant, it was hard to shake that I was eye-wateringly beaming into a candle in a dark room.
A technique often used to end trataka, or once you can no longer keep your peepers open, involves closing the eyes to concentrate and visualise the object. Just like when staring directly into a bright light, the image of the flame remained for a few minutes following. If anything, I finished the session entirely relaxed.
Why you should try it
Those who have trouble focusing during regular sit-down or standing meditation may find they can put more attention into the gazing form of trataka.
The option of having something to look at can apparently increase awareness and promote a higher level of consciousness by opening the ‘‘third eye’’.
If you don’t follow the spiritual side of the practice, the age-old discipline of meditation, in all its forms, has been credited for increasing focus and productivity, improving mood, and reducing stress and anxiety. It’s an extremely accessible activity.
Risk rating
This one comes with a very low element of danger – it’s staring at an object after all. With the likes of candle gazing, it goes without saying that care should be taken around the live flame.
A few tips include making sure the candle is on a sturdy surface, removing all flammable items and not getting too close. Those intending to use meditation as treatment for specific conditions should speak to a medical professional first.