Have you ever noticed how lighting a candle can feel so centering and ritualistic? In a world that can sometimes feel crazy and out of control, it’s nice to have some simple touchstones to pause, breathe, and signal to ourselves and others that it’s time to slow down (and be present) or that it’s time to bring on the rest and relaxation.
Maybe it’s the simple act of lighting a candle that helps you settle into your favorite night-time self-care routine, like journaling or a good book, or transition into a relaxed state before bed. Or perhaps the flicker of flame invites you to do a home yoga flow or a few rounds of meditation in your living room or favorite nook.
Why Traditional Candles Might Be Working Against You
But it’s hard to feel completely “present” or intentional when you realize there are probably a bunch of hidden toxins in that candle you just lit. Candle waxes and fragrances can be seriously sneaky and it’s no wonder we don’t even think twice about what goes into the candles we burn on a daily basis.
For all of us (myself included) who are on the path of creating a more intentional life and home that supports our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, I’d encourage you to make the switch to non-toxic candles and experience the difference they make.
Candles you commonly find at your local grocery or big-box store are likely made with paraffin wax (yep, a petroleum byproduct!) and synthetic fragrances that can release unwanted phthalates and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) into the air you breathe inside your home. The last thing we want is more toxins floating around our homes and polluting the air we breathe. It just defeats the purpose and sacredness we try to create when we light a candle for meditation, ritual, self-care, or simply setting the mood.
The Beauty of Non-Toxic Candles
So how can we better support ourselves and our homes while still reaping all the benefits of an intentional candle ritual?
I can’t stress enough how important it is to make sure we’re using non-toxic candles inside our homes. Non-toxic candles are made with natural, non-petroleum-based waxes like coconut, soy, or beeswax, are typically blended with pure essential oils or phthalate-free fragrance oils, and often use cotton or wooden wicks (without heavy metal content). This means they not only look and smell beautiful but they burn clean without releasing any hidden toxins or potentially dangerous chemicals into your home.
More Than Just Scent: Intentional Aromatherapy
One of my favorite parts of a non-toxic candle is the intentional choice of essential oil blends (in most cases).
Instead of just smelling pretty, you can now incorporate powerful, therapeutic essential oils into your candle ritual that help support self-care, intention-setting, meditation, mood, and home energy.
Think about how calming lavender can help you quiet your anxious mind.
Or how a burst of citrus can help you power through a foggy morning.
Or how energizing eucalyptus or peppermint essential oils can help you ground into your body during meditation.
Lighting a non-toxic candle becomes much more than just ambiance — it’s a practice you can weave into your daily self-care routines to intentionally support the mood and energy you want to create in your home.
Try It for Yourself
I know it’s easy to be overwhelmed by all the new labels and buzzwords in the natural-products industry, so my advice is to start small. Pick one or two favorite spots in your home to swap out your conventional candles for a cleaner-burning, non-toxic option (try your bedroom, bathroom, meditation corner, or reading nook to start!). One of my favorite non-toxic candle options is Meaningful Mantras‘ beautifully designed line of naturally blended, therapeutic candles. They’re made with natural coconut wax, specially blended essential oils, and are all carefully designed to support different moods, mindfulness, or home energy.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to creating a more intentional home and life, it’s not always about making huge changes. More often, it’s the simple choices we make day in and day out that have the most significant and lasting impact on our home and well-being.
So next time you light a candle, make it a non-toxic one that not only enhances your home and well-being but supports it as well. After all, your home should reflect your values, support your health, and (literally) light you up from the inside out.
