Meditation out of control.
I am a fragile flame,
seemingly snuffed
by too much fuel;
a curious candle,
dulled by the waxy whatnot
of everyday existence.
If only I knew
how to trim my wick.
I might burn brighter,
last longer,
mellow the mood
with a warm, even light.
Trail Wood,
1/28
Contemplating the Delicate Balance of Meditation and Self-Care
We immerse ourselves in the metaphor of a candle to reflect on the challenges of maintaining balance in meditation and life. The imagery of a candle struggling against the winds of everyday existence serves as a poignant representation of our own journey to find harmony and inner peace.
Meditation: A Flame Threatened by Overwhelm
Meditation, intended as a practice of control and inner tranquility, can sometimes feel like a fragile flame buffeted by the winds of our thoughts and external pressures. The very fuel meant to sustain us – our daily experiences and emotions – can become overwhelming, threatening to snuff out our calmness and focus.
The Candle of Existence in the Everyday
Our existence is likened to a curious candle, its light dulled by the “waxy whatnot” of daily life. This wax, representing our responsibilities, distractions, and worries, can accumulate around our flame, diminishing its brightness and warmth. It’s a vivid depiction of how the accumulation of life’s demands can obscure our inner light and warmth.
The Art of Wick Trimming for Self-Care
The desire to “trim our wick” symbolizes the need for self-care and self-awareness. Just as a candle burns brighter and longer with a properly maintained wick, we too can find a more sustainable, brighter state of being by taking care of ourselves. Trimming the wick involves removing the excess, the unnecessary burdens and distractions, to allow a more focused and fulfilling illumination of our lives.
Seeking a Mellow and Warm Mood
In achieving this balance, we aspire not just to burn brighter, but to create an ambiance of warmth and serenity within ourselves. This isn’t about achieving an intense blaze, but rather a mellow, steady glow that enhances our mood and the atmosphere around us. It’s a metaphor for seeking a state of being that is both illuminating and comforting.
We Are Space Monkey
In this metaphor of the candle, we find a reflection of our struggle for balance in meditation and life. It reminds us of the importance of self-care and mindfulness in maintaining our inner flame amidst the whirlwinds of daily existence.
Summary
We explore the metaphor of a candle to reflect on the challenges of maintaining balance in meditation and life. The imagery highlights the importance of self-care and mindfulness in preserving our inner peace and tranquility amidst the complexities of everyday life.
Glossarium
- Fragile Flame: Represents our inner tranquility and focus in meditation.
- Waxy Whatnot: Symbolizes the daily responsibilities and distractions that can overwhelm us.
- Trimming the Wick: The act of self-care and removing unnecessary burdens to maintain our inner light.
- Mellow Mood: The desired state of serene and steady inner warmth and peace.
- Candle of Existence: A metaphor for our life and the balance we seek between illumination and tranquility.
“Just as a candle cannot burn without fire, men cannot live without a spiritual life.” – Buddha
In the dance of light and shadow, we sway,
A candle in the wind, in night and day.
Seeking balance, in the gusts of life,
Amidst the wax and wick, the joy and strife.
With gentle care, we trim, we tend,
To the flame of being, till the very end.
In this flickering light, wisdom we find,
In the candle’s glow, peace of mind.
We invite reflections on the metaphor of a candle in meditation and life, and how this imagery resonates with our own experiences in seeking balance and inner peace.
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