If you struggle with a restless mind and sitting down to meditate with your thoughts rattling around makes the anxiety worse — try candle meditation. Light any candle, turn the lights down and focus your attention on the flame as it flickers and changes shape and colour.
Hold your sight solely on the flame, immersing your complete attention. The flame’s movement helps keep the mind focused and even a few minutes a day (it gets easier) can lead to a lovely peaceful feeling and, sometimes, even a sort of altered consciousness.
Folium scented candle £120 And Objects — 020–7427 6059; www.andobjects.com
Fireside scented candle £29, Plum & Ashby — 01329 235615; www.plumandashby.co.uk
Darling candle £64, August & Piers, www.augustpiers.com
Humid wood hand-blown candle £155, Perfumer H — 020–7258 7859; www.perfumerh.com
Libertine candle £285 (1.5kg), August & Piers — 020–7730 1234; www.harrods.com
Plumwood violet ceramic candle £42, Matilda Goad & Co x Anthropologie — 0808 196 8599; www.anthropologie.com
Festivum scented candle £60, Verden — verden.world
Magia Del Camino candle £72, Acqua di Parma exclusive to John Lewis — 03456 100 336; www.johnlewis.com
Cucumber candle £78, Loewe — www.perfumesloewe.com
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Dawn Chorus: A Blue Plaque for Marc Bolan, holidaying in the Caribbean with Francis Ford Coppola and a history of the National Gallery in 25 picturesPlus the best of the property pages, and how the railways will save the countryside.
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Game, set, match: 12 of the world’s most beautiful tennis courtsFrom Italy to Indonesia, when it comes to hotel amenities, a picturesque tennis court will always trump a 24-hour gym. So, before you book your next holiday, take a look at our pick of the 12 best.
