Fire Gazing

words and photo by Heather Land

The gateway to meditation and the sharpener of eyesight, known as Trataka, fire gazing is just what it sounds like – gazing into an open flame. 

This wellness practice can bring not only inner peace and harmony into your being, it also enhances patience, improves concentration, and even strengthens eyesight. 

Fire sparks imagination yet makes you calm. Just as you would practice focusing on your breath in meditation, focusing on the flame will help to clear your mind of unnecessary waste.  It trains you to sit still with great purpose. 

Light a candle, gaze into a vessel (as shown here) daily, or practice around a summer fire pit whenever the chance arises.