Here's what some of our Keapers had to say about that.
Calm and presence
"The aroma of a burning candle and flickering flame have an instant pavlovian effect on me. I feel more calm and my body just releases down a notch. I love to take a moment and just stare at the flame and take a few breaths."
—Arleen in Boston"
Mindfulness and connection to self
"It's a moment of mindfulness. In a busy and stressful world, it's lovely to take a moment to light a candle and know it's an act of self-care that is only for you in that moment. I’m able to be present, connect with my senses, and reward myself by simply lighting a candle. It's the best part of the day when I’m able to do it."
—Melissa in NY
Marking a moment
"Candles are special to me because they instill a sense of calmness and well-being into my day. There are two times that I put on a candle, both times with the intention of bringing that soothing sense to my activity.
First: when I am cooking, either alone or with my husband, it calms me down from the stress I sometimes feel while following a recipe and getting a meal on the table, with the added benefit of smoothing out the strong aromas of cooking food.
Second, when I take some time for myself to read or knit, lighting a candle helps put me in the mood to relax and settle into a very pleasant activity. I love Keap candles for these purposes because they are never cloying, but gently evoke a particular atmosphere that enhances my experience."
—Pam in Boston
Connection to nature
"When I was introduced to Keap’s origin story and your philosophy, I explored why I was so drawn to people I had never met, the product they shared with the world, and the transparency of the evolving business model.
In revisiting those past ponderings, I offer that, in addition to the grounding ritual of lighting a candle that you have beautifully touched on, there lies a deeper connection across time, emotion, sensory experience, and presence.
The flame connects us with our shared existence and humanity across time. Through the sensory experience of thoughtfully chosen scents, we are invited into the present moment to reconnect with nature, no matter where we are or what is occurring in the world around us.
Through the culmination of a grounding ritual, sensory experience, and emotion, if we allow ourselves to be present, we find ourselves connected with nature and centered on a dancing flame that leads us into a rare in-between space where movement and calm exist in perfect harmony.
Ancient things that are useful and beautiful will always persist
"Why candles? …Ah, love, but I think that is the wrong question.
Why not candles is the bigger one.
Despite the advances of technology, so that we don’t depend on them (or fire, for that matter) for lighting our homes, candles persist.
Why would they, if they could be replaced?
They would, because they are primal. A coming back to something grounding and timeless.
They would because they are useful, when nature roars outside and snuffs out the power.
They would, because they are ambiance in a jar, bathing faces in gold, casting dancing shadows on the walls.
They would, because the time it takes to strike a match and kiss the wick, is the gift of a moment to take a breath and just gaze at the flickering light. The shush amid the mental chaos.
They would, because though houses and apartments may change, across the years of our life, an old favorite candle anchors every place so it feels more familiar, grounding, despite the tides.
They would, because they make a perfectly thoughtful gift that keeps on giving. A kindness that might as well be a warm hug.
They would, because they diffuse a room with a scent that stirs up something ineffable, a feeling we can’t really articulate.
They would, because all ancient things that are useful and beautiful will always persist."
—Jonna in Maryland
My own personal Sun
"Because we are intrigued by fire! I think it’s the awe of the flame. It’s like there is some innate calling to stare at fire and be entranced. Even though lighting candles is a daily action, I am always drawn to stare at it for a couple moments and feel the small heat it radiates. It’s like my own personal sun. My cats are also drawn to stare and be captivated!
There’s something special about the controlled flame—a piece of nature in my control, something I ignited and then can put out. I could go on but then it would really become an essay :)
I’m attaching a photo of my cat, Lilith, who’s really into my Keap candle."
—Mia in NYC
Lilith and her candle.
