May is Mental Health Awareness Month

At CandleLux, we believe that healing is both personal and powerful. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we recently partnered with the nonprofit Life After Prison to host a therapeutic candle-making workshop for a group of formerly incarcerated men and women. This wasn’t just about wax and wicks—it was about reconnection, reflection, and reclaiming personal power.

The men who participated were at different points in their journeys, but they all carried the weight of experiences that left mental, emotional, and spiritual scars. Through candle-making, we offered them a space not only to be creative, but to be seen, heard, and held in community.

We decided to write this weeks blog that explores the transformative power of candle-making as a healing ritual for those reentering society and navigating the complexities of post-incarceration life.

Why Mental Health After Incarceration Matters

The Reality of Reentry

Every year, over 600,000 people are released from prison in the United States. While the physical sentence may end, the emotional sentence often continues.

Formerly incarcerated individuals face intense challenges, including:

• Unprocessed trauma from past abuse, violence, or solitary confinement

• Chronic stress from the pressures of reintegration

• Stigma and discrimination in housing, employment, and relationships

• Loss of identity and purpose after being institutionalized

Many are also dealing with underlying mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD, often with little or no access to professional support.

“To step back into society after incarceration is to step into a world that has moved on without you. It’s disorienting. It’s lonely. It’s overwhelming.”

Why Self-Care is Revolutionary

For men who have been taught to suppress emotion, avoid vulnerability, and prioritize survival, self-care can feel foreign or even foolish. But in truth, self-care is a revolutionary act - resistence.

It means reclaiming agency. It means choosing healing over hiding. It means giving yourself permission to matter.

This is especially crucial for Black and Brown men who are disproportionately affected by the criminal justice system. Prioritizing mental wellness becomes a way of rewriting the narrative about who they are and what they deserve.

The Candle as a Metaphor for Healing

Why Candle-Making?

Candle-making is more than just a relaxing hobby. It’s a therapeutic process of creation that invites mindfulness, intention, and transformation.

Here’s how candle-making serves as a healing modality:

✨ Mindfulness in Action

Pouring wax, choosing scents, placing the wick—these steps require presence and care. The process pulls participants out of anxiety about the future or regret about the past, and anchors them in the now.

🌟 Personal Symbolism

Every element of a candle can symbolize something personal:

• The wax represents your story

• The wick is your purpose

• The fragrance is your energy

• The flame is your future

🎨 Creative Expression

In environments that often stifle individuality, creativity becomes a form of rebellion and renewal. Designing a candle offers a chance to say, "This is mine. This is me."

☕ Emotional Reflection

As candles cool and solidify, participants reflect on their journey. This built-in pause provides space for introspection and emotional clarity.

Intention-Setting: Lighting a New Path

During our workshop, each participant was invited to set an intention for their candle:

“What are you lighting this candle for?”

Their answers were raw, powerful, and deeply human:

• “To forgive myself.”

• “To stay focused on my goals.”

• “To build a business that helps others.”

• “To restore trust with my family.”

• “To learn how to love myself again.”

These weren’t just candles. They were commitments. Every flame that will one day burn is a reminder of their potential, progress, and personal promise to keep going.

The Power of the Spoken Word: Our Talk on Healing and Purpose

While candles solidified, we led a 30-minute talk rooted in themes of healing, worthiness, and the power of creation. Here's a breakdown of what we shared:

🔍 Reframing the Narrative

• You are not defined by your past.

• You are not broken. You are becoming.

• The world may label you, but only you can define yourself.

⚡ The Power of Self-Care

• Self-care is not selfish; it’s strategic.

• Rest, creativity, and joy are tools of resilience.

• Setting boundaries and honoring your needs isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom.

💼 The Spark of Entrepreneurship

• Your story has value that can translate into service.

• Entrepreneurship allows you to build something that reflects your values.

• You can create your own lane and invite others to follow.

🌿 What Healing Really Looks Like

• Healing isn’t linear.

• Some days you feel strong; some days you feel lost.

• But every step, no matter how small, is progress.

“You don’t have to be perfect to be powerful. You just have to keep showing up.”

Why We Do This Work

At CandleLux, we don’t just make candles—we create experiences that spark transformation. Whether it’s in a corporate boardroom, a hospital wellness event, or a community reentry program, our mission is to bring:

• Creative therapeutic experiences

• Opportunities for reflection and intention-setting

• Safe spaces for vulnerability and connection

We believe everyone deserves the chance to heal, create, and shine—especially those who have been forgotten or counted out.

Bring a Healing Experience to Your Community

If you're a nonprofit, community leader, employer, or wellness coordinator looking to support those reentering society or navigating emotional healing, we want to partner with you.

🌿 CandleLux Healing Workshops Include:

• Guided candle-making with essential oils and natural wax

• Intention-setting exercises

• Empowerment talks focused on wellness and mindset

• Music, refreshments, and joyful ambiance

These workshops can be tailored for:

• Reentry programs

• Mental health support groups

• Employee wellness initiatives

• High schools, colleges, and transitional housing

Help Us Spread the Light

💡 Know someone reentering society? 💡 Work with a mental health or reentry program? 💡 Want to bring a healing experience to your team?

➤ Share this blog

➤ Tag @bostoncandlelux on Instagram

➤ Use these hashtags to join the conversation:

#MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #CandleMakingTherapy #LifeAfterPrison #CreativeHealing #SelfCareMatters #CandleLuxBoston

Closing Thoughts: Reignite Your Power

Mental health isn’t a luxury. It’s a right. Healing isn’t a destination. It’s a journey. And everyone—no matter their past—deserves the chance to reclaim their light.

So the next time you light a candle, ask yourself:

“What am I lighting this for?”

Let your answer guide you. Let it heal you. Let it empower you to keep going.

For event bookings, workshops, or to learn more, visit: www.bostoncandlelux.com or email info@bostoncandlelux.com

Stay lit, stay strong, - The CandleLux Team