Flame Dance: A Morning Focus Practice

Sit comfortably,

Spine tall but not stiff.

Let your hands rest where they fall naturally.

Take a slow breath in and let it go.

In front of you,

Imagine a flame.

If you have one nearby,

Place a real candle flame before you.

A single,

Steady light.

This practice is as old as fire itself.

Monks,

Seekers,

Rebels all began here.

Let your eyes rest on the flame.

No need to force,

Just steady.

Notice its light,

Its dance,

Its edges.

As you breathe,

Let the flame breathe with you.

Now stay with the flame in silence.

Notice how the flame remains inside.

A soft imprint in your mind's eye.

Hold it steady,

Let it guide your breath.

The flame may flicker,

Your thoughts may rise.

A return again flame,

Breath,

Stillness.

This flame belongs to you.

Now hold silence with your inner fire.

The ground,

The space around you.

Ready,

Open your eyes.

Of noise,

You are its keeper.

The lotus blooms in mud,

And so do you.