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1.

Turn off the lights in the room you are in and light a candle. Place it a little away from you in a safe spot.

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2.

Now focus on the flame ... sometimes it dances and you observe its busy flickering, sometimes it is still and steady ...

(You may find it more restful to close your eyes knowing that the flame still burns.)

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3.

How does this candle flame remind you of other candles or flames in your past? What memories come to mind of birthdays, fireplaces, prayer services, even power cuts?

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4.

As you look at or consider the flame, what message does it have for you?

Listen to what it wants to say ... Does it speak of light, of life, of hope?

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5.

Engage in dialogue with the flame as a symbol of light and warmth.  Speak to each other in any way that seems natural to you ...

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6.

Finally put all words, thoughts and memories aside and contemplate the flame in silence ... let the flame speak beyond words, directly to your spirit ... when thoughts come, notice, and let them drift away like wisps of smoke ...

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7.

At the end, take leave of the flame prayerfully (by joining your hands or in some other way), and perhaps bowtowards the candle and to the Source Of All Light - God with us.

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8.

Then respectfully put the flame out, aware of the kindling that remains in your heart, which you carry through the night into the next day, however dark.

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