“You don’t just burn a Slow Burn candle, you interact with it.”
I was having a conversation with my business coach recently, and as we were talking through the unique aspects of Slow Burn beeswax candles, I casually said, “You don’t just burn Slow Burn candles—you interact with them.” I was on to my next thought when she stopped me to point out the significance of what I had just said. She wanted to hear more, and as I began to explain what I meant, I realized there was something deeper to explore. This idea of interaction, of connecting with the candle in a meaningful way, sparked something in me. After the conversation, it occurred to me that this concept deserved a dedicated space—so here it is, my thoughts on how Slow Burn candles are not just candles, but an invitation to slow down and connect with yourself.
When you light a beeswax candle, you’re doing more than just burning wax—you’re engaging in a ritual that invites you to slow down and connect with yourself. Unlike mass-produced candles that require little attention, beeswax candles, particularly Slow Burn’s handcrafted, locally sourced varieties, ask for your presence. They offer more than a simple flame—they provide an opportunity to step away from life’s demands, if only for a few moments, and center yourself.
The Practice of Wick Trimming One of the most important parts of interacting with your beeswax candle is the regular trimming of the wick. Before each burn, trim the wick to about ¼ inch to ensure the flame burns clean and steady. A wick left too long can cause the flame to flicker and smoke, while a properly trimmed wick allows the candle to shine brightly and burn smoothly, enhancing its longevity.
This simple act of preparation is a mindful practice in itself. As you trim the wick, you’re already engaging with the candle, setting the stage for a more intentional experience. Each time you trim, you create the ideal conditions for the flame to thrive, a small reminder that your attention and care matter.
Understanding Minimum Burn Times A beeswax candle is different from other candles in that it requires a minimum burn time to prevent tunneling (where wax remains on the sides, wasting the candle). For every inch in diameter, burn your candle for at least one hour to allow the entire surface to melt evenly. This is your chance to carve out time for yourself—a conscious choice to slow down and let the candle guide you through a pause in your day.
Hugging and Lantern Burns Two techniques, the “hugging” method and the “lantern” burn style, deepen your interaction with the candle and enhance its burn.
Hugging involves gently pressing the softened walls of the pillar candle into the flame, allowing them to melt evenly into the pool of wax. It’s almost like nurturing the candle, giving it the attention it needs to burn efficiently.
The Lantern Burn offers a different approach, encouraging you to step back and embrace the art of doing nothing. In this method, you let the outer shell of the candle remain untouched, glowing softly from within like a lantern, giving off a radiant, ambient light. It teaches you to surrender control, allowing the candle to organically take form as its inner flame shines through. This simple act of letting go—resisting the urge to adjust or fix—mirrors the gentle reminder that sometimes, doing nothing is the most powerful choice you can make.
Each time you practice these techniques, you become more in tune with the candle’s rhythm, and over time, it becomes second nature. You’ll develop an intuitive understanding of how your beeswax candle behaves, when it needs tending, and how to care for it to maximize its beauty and longevity.
The Candle as a Tool for Self-Care In these moments of care—trimming the wick, watching the flame, or adjusting the wax—you’re not just maintaining a candle; you’re engaging in a form of self-care. Each interaction with the candle is an opportunity to check in with yourself. As the flame steadies and soft light fills the room, you might find yourself doing the same—regulating your breath, calming your mind, and grounding your energy.
The flicker of the flame becomes a mirror for your own internal state. By interacting with the candle, you’re in turn interacting with yourself. Each moment spent tending to it is a moment away from life’s stressors and a chance to reconnect with your inner calm. You don’t need much—just a few minutes to reset, realign, and come back to yourself.
Embrace the Ritual The more you interact with beeswax candles, the more intuitive the process becomes. You’ll find joy in the small rituals: trimming the wick, waiting for the right burn time, and tending to the wax. These actions cultivate mindfulness, offering you moments of clarity and intention.
So, the next time you light your beeswax candle, remember—this isn’t just about burning a candle. It’s an invitation to interact, to slow down, and to reconnect with yourself in the glow of the flame.
With intention, Sara