The Candle In The Wind. Home Sweet Home.
Who knew that lighting a candle would be so life changing.
The lights will never go out. If our electricity supply was to cut off for any unforeseen reason; we (collectively) will have a candle or two to thank us for keeping us in the light. That is one benefit of this sweet pillar of wax right there.
The humble candle began as a white stick, that can easily be set alight with a bit of fire, or with the strike of a match. Who knew that such would bring solace to our homes, and especially during lockdown periods.
Our acceptance of this flame of light, burning ever so brightly, has matured from plain vanilla to a variety of different scents and flavours - not to mention the blends involved.
Candles can be life changing, sometimes for the worst (they may be attributed to causing a fire at home, and sadly a true story for some) but mainly for the best. A candle or two is a worthy add on to any mental health survival kit. In no way, shape or form could a candle replace therapy or supplementation; yet a candle or two (or even three in the home...don't good things come in threes?) will bring peace and solace to any sceptic and candle enthusiast simultaneously. Candles can also help people accept the crappier stuff, which is paving the stairway to some much needed healing.
Candles create space in the home. No matter the size of your pad; the candle is a shining light to that part of the home, where lights are literally out, in promoting the true element of relaxation, and a break from having the lights on ever so brightly in the home. A candle, or a few candles paves the way for solitude when the time comes for a bit of a Netflix binge, with or without the wine and the popcorn, while settling into a movie of your choosing for the night.
Candles do promote relaxation, and therefore candles are a common prop to add if you choose to meditate, as part of a healthy lifestyle in order to stay sane, present, and grounded. It is common for the iconic candle to calm the mind, and to promote relaxation, as well as a pleasant mood.
Out of all of the people that yours truly knows; friends, family and acquaintances alike; not one person has ever been angry or temperamental with a few burning candles in sight in their respective living room quarters. An exception to that rule may involve a couple fighting, yet that has not been seen to be believed in the presence of a soothing candle or two.
Burning a candle on my desk has also improved focus and concentration, and memory capacities while studying, and working away on the MacBook Air, helping yours truly to fully immerse in writing, and other business activities. The same is true while enjoying a bubble bath, or a simple bath with magnesium rich bath salts generously thrown into that warm bath. From personal experience though, candles are not best in the kitchen while cooking, and they are never used in the laundry or in the bedroom. They are perfect on the dinner table in a social environment.
It is also important to source a candle that uses non-toxic fragrant oils and aromatherapy blends, as opposed to cheap massage and carrier oils. This is where it is wise to buy your candles exclusively for a top department store like Macy's, Harrods or David Jones to name, depending on where you live. Soy candles are worthy, and even soy candles with a bit of paraffin wax are also ideal for the home. Common sense also advises one to keep candles away from flammable objects, and not on the edge of any tables next to carpet. Candles also need to be kept away from our furry friends.
Due to the mood enhancing and feel good qualities that candles bring to the table; candles are fantastic in keeping our mental health on the healthier side. If you relax long enough, anxiety just cannot co-exist with the charms of a beautiful candle burning in the home.
When candles help alleviate stress, due to the scent, and adding to the rich, lovely ambience of a clutter free home; anxiety cannot co-exist again.
Positivity is also associated with the candle, due to the benefits that it evokes. In saying that, if you have to watch the news for a few minutes in the light of an important update; remember to burn a candle (or a few) if you have to engage in an activity that you do not wish to do, and that is part and parcel of being an adult sometimes. In all seriousness, burning a candle has helped me process setbacks, challenges and adversities. In a romantic sense, candles are known to bring couples closer to one another. Think of those romantic candle light dinners.
With the scent of your choice, and the colour and design of some candles (especially with the jars); that glow and warmth is added to your home, in helping to enrich your living space. It all makes sense, because home is where the heart is. To preserve the longevity of your candles, please also remember to trim the wick before each use. That also helps to avoid those black steam marks on the inside of the relevant candle jar/s.
If you have trouble sleeping at night, a candle also helps, by shifting he focus away from blue light technology, and looking into that bright and rustic eternal flame. For the sleep benefits alone, I personally take a couple of candles with me when travelling. If you choose to take my advice on the latter; please remember to not pack any matches, as they will be rejected in the airport security screening process. It is therefore worthwhile buying a pack at your destination, and leaving it with the hotel upon check out time.
Making candles is equally as therapeutic, as the wax melts away. On the bright side, candles are surprisingly affordable, and each candle can last up to a month, depending on how often you use them. It is a no brainer really, and considering the trend of more and more of us spending time at home on the back of a pandemic that rocked out worlds in 2020; candles are like the saving grace, and a timely reminder that home is truly where the heart is.
About the Creator
Justine Crowley
Freelance Internet Moderator/UX Writer/UX Consulting Designer/Graphic Designer
http://smashwords.com/profile/view/JustineCrowley
linkedin.com/in/justinecrowley
Lives in Sydney, Australia. Loves life.
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