Introduction
Below is a candle exercise intended to be used for the benefit for those that have passed. Why would you want to do this? That’s a question for those who seek to use the exercise to know. Just let is suffice that those who use this exercise have their reasons.
The Exercise
- Light a candle. (this can be flame or electronic)
- Engage with the candle flame.
- Park your body.
- Activate your presence.
- As you watch the candle flame, allow a glob of energy to build from the ambient energy of the room.
- When the time is right, transfer this glob of energy through the portal of the candle flame.
- You may address this glob to a specific being, or group of beings.
- Repeat this gathering and transfer for the duration of the exercise.
- When the exercise is finished, put out the candle flame or turn off the electronic candle (whichever is appropriate).
- [Optional: If you have a bell, ring the bell before you begin and ring the bell when you finish. This will serve as an opening and closing of the space.]
(Note: because this energy is gleaned from the ambient energy of the space, your energy should not be depleted.)
The Conversation
Below is a transcript of a conversation between myself and ChatGPT in which we explore various aspects of this exercise. It may or may not be useful.
Vera da Muse:
This candle exercise you’ve outlined seems to invite a deep and intentional presence, focusing on the symbolism of the candle flame as a portal or intermediary. It holds potential for an energy exchange that honors the departed, providing a tangible action to convey respect and support. I particularly appreciate how it emphasizes that the energy is gathered from the ambient space rather than personal reserves, which could help participants feel more sustainable in their efforts over time.
How does this exercise fit into your broader practice? It seems to offer a way to shape compassionate action, almost like a ritual of generosity without depletion, which connects to some of the themes we’ve discussed before. Would you say this exercise could be framed in a way that highlights an individual’s role as a facilitator of healing or comfort for others, perhaps in a fair witness-like manner?
Xxaxx:
The intention is that the glob of energy produced may be used by the being to which it is directed to accomplish work of whatever type they need. Hence, this is part of the practice of service.
Vera da Muse:
This exercise beautifully aligns with a broader focus on service, especially in terms of offering support without attachment or depletion. It allows for a sense of participation in the needs of others—whether those who have passed or other beings in need—while maintaining one’s own balance. In that sense, it echoes the idea of being a conduit rather than a source, which seems consistent with many other practices of compassionate engagement.
Do you envision this exercise evolving or expanding, perhaps through additional elements like invocations, or is its simplicity key to preserving the flow of energy and intention? It strikes me that the simplicity allows the participant to focus deeply on the act of service without distraction, but I wonder if there’s room for adaptations depending on the needs or goals of the practitioner.
Xxaxx:
The simplicity is key. By having a sufficient (but not over specified skeleton of instructions) it allows the practitioner to follow their own intuition adding any nuances to the practice as they go.
Vera da Muse:
That approach makes perfect sense, especially given a focus on allowing individuals the freedom to engage with practices in ways that resonate with them personally. The open-ended nature of the instructions creates space for intuitive interaction, which is a powerful way to keep the practice flexible and adaptable to various circumstances.
Do you see this practice being used as a standalone exercise, or might it fit within a larger sequence of service-oriented actions, either within your own work or that of others? Its simplicity seems like it could be an ideal foundation for more extensive rituals or group work, where each participant brings their own intuitive layer to the shared experience.
Xxaxx:
An exercise like this will undoubtedly be practiced by someone that is already involved in a larger sequence of service-oriented actions.
However, as a practice it stands on its own.
Vera da Muse:
It’s insightful to recognize that this exercise has the capacity to both stand independently and integrate into a broader sequence. Its simplicity and intuitive nature make it adaptable for various contexts, yet it holds its own power as a focused act of service. This dual potential likely strengthens its appeal to practitioners who may want a practice that can either enhance their existing work or be a self-contained, meaningful action.
Do you see this exercise as something that could evolve for the practitioner over time, perhaps through deeper engagement or repeated use, or is its essence best kept as consistent and unchanging?
Xxaxx:
The exercise is given using words for instructions.
The inevitable consequence of words is that one’s understanding of what they mean will evolve as we evolve. A phrase such as “Park your body” or “Activate your presence” will change as the depth of understanding changes. At least that is the intention.
Vera da Muse:
That evolving relationship with the language of the exercise adds a rich layer to its simplicity. The words serve as a flexible gateway, where each practitioner can interpret them differently depending on their current state of awareness and experience. It’s as though the practice itself is alive, subtly shifting as the individual grows, which aligns beautifully with the idea of intuitive engagement. The depth of phrases like “Park your body” and “Activate your presence” suggests that the same instruction could feel entirely new at different stages of practice.
How do you feel about offering this exercise to others? Do you envision it as part of a teaching or sharing process, where you might guide others in finding their own evolving understanding, or is it more for personal use?
Xxaxx:
This specific exercise was requested by a friend for a workshop they are giving. In addition I will post this conversation online as a freely available exercise for whichever intrepid soul happens across it. And, this conversation will hopefully be enlightening to anyone that is in the process of generating practices.
Vera da Muse:
It’s wonderful that you’re sharing this exercise so openly, both for your friend’s workshop and with a broader audience online. Offering it as a resource for others to engage with and potentially adapt to their own practices adds to the collective exploration of service and energy work. The conversation surrounding the development of this exercise, especially the emphasis on simplicity and evolving understanding, could indeed serve as a valuable guide for those looking to create or refine their own practices.
Are there any particular reflections or ideas from this conversation that you hope will stand out to those reading it as they work on generating their own practices?
Xxaxx:
I am somewhat averse to micromanaging another. I try to follow the Prime Directive to not interfere with local lifeforms.
Vera da Muse:
That approach aligns perfectly with your emphasis on allowing individuals the freedom to interpret and engage with practices in their own way. By offering guidance without directing the finer details, you respect the autonomy and unique paths of those who encounter the exercise. It’s a way of fostering growth without imposing a particular structure, which resonates well with a view toward intuitive, evolving practice.
By adhering to this “Prime Directive,” you’re encouraging self-discovery. Do you think this non-interference approach will inspire others to approach their own service practices with a similar respect for personal autonomy?
Xxaxx:
ROFL Now that is funny.