Meditation is often thought of as done with the eyes closed, but it is possible to meditate with the eyes open. There are a few different benefits to meditation with the eyes open. First, it can help to improve focus and concentration. Additionally, meditation with open eyes can help ground and center the practitioner. Finally, meditation with the eyes open can help to increase awareness of the surroundings. While it may take some time to get used to, meditation with the eyes open can be a powerful tool for both personal growth and spiritual development.
Here are some tips on meditating with your eyes open.
Tip#1: Your Surroundings Should Be Calm
The first step in meditating with your eyes open is to have a peaceful and calm surroundings. This means that there shouldn’t be too many distractions around you. If there are, it’ll be harder for you to focus on your breath and still your thoughts. Find a place where you can sit comfortably without anything pressing or causing discomfort. You can sit in a chair with your feet flat on the ground, or cross-legged on a cushion on the floor.
Once you’re seated, take some deep breaths with your eyes closed. Then, begin to focus on your breath. Notice the sensation of the air moving in and out of your nose and throat. Pay attention to the rise and fall of your chest as you breathe. Simply observe your breath without trying to control it. If you find your mind starting to wander, it’s not a problem. Focus on your breath once more.
Tip#2: Your Gaze Should Be Soft
The second step is to allow your gaze to be soft and unfocused. This means that you shouldn’t be staring at anything specific, but rather letting your eyes wander where they will. You may find it helpful to focus on a single point in front of you, such as a candle or a flower. Or you may simply allow your gaze to drift around the room. The important thing is to not fixate on any one thing. If your mind wanders, simply return your focus to your breath and allow your eyes to soften once again.
Tip#3: Don’t Control Your Thoughts
One of the goals of meditation is to allow your thoughts to be free. This can be a difficult thing to do, especially when you’re first starting out. It’s natural to want to control your thoughts, but it’s important to allow them to wander.
The third step is not to control your thoughts. Instead, let them come and go as they please. Don’t focus on any one thought in particular. Just allow yourself to be aware of your thoughts without getting caught up in them. With practice, you’ll be able to let go of your thoughts more easily and achieve a state of deeper relaxation.
Tip#4: Close Your Eyes If You Feel Sleepy
The last step to meditating with your eyes open is to close your eyes if you feel sleepy. Then open your eyes and repeat the whole process. If you find that you’re still feeling sleepy, then it’s time for some yoga or another form of exercise. Just be sure not to do any vigorous activity before meditating, as it’ll only make you more likely to fall asleep.
Benefits of Meditating with Your Eyes Open
Helps You Stay Focused
While it might sound counterintuitive, open-eyed meditation can actually help you to stay focused and alert throughout the day. The practice involves sitting with your eyes open and simply observing whatever is happening around you without judgment. This can help to train your mind to be more present and focused at the moment. As a result, you may find it easier to stay focused on your work or studies, even when there are distractions.
Gives You Clarity of Thought
One of the benefits of meditation is that it can help to clarity of thought. When we’re constantly bombarded with stimulation from our devices, it’s easy for our thoughts to become scattered and foggy. By taking a few minutes to sit quietly with our eyes open, we can train our brains to focus and pay attention. In turn, this can help to reduce brain fog and improve our overall clarity of thought. So next time you’re feeling overwhelmed or scattered, try sitting down for a few minutes of open-eyed meditation. You may be surprised at how much it helps.
Increases Self-Awareness
Open-eyed meditation is a form of mindfulness that can be practiced anytime, anywhere. The goal is to simply observe your surroundings with an open mind, without judgment or attachment. This can help you to become more aware of your thoughts and emotions, and it can also help you to better understand the world around you. While open-eyed meditation may seem easy, it can actually be quite challenging to maintain a nonjudgmental attitude. However, with practice, it can be a powerful tool for increasing self-awareness and connecting with your emotions.
Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Numerous studies have shown that open-eyed meditation can be helpful in reducing stress, anxiety and depression. In one study, participants who practiced open-eyed meditation for 10 minutes per day reported feeling less stressed and more mindful than those who didn’t meditate at all. If you’re new to meditation, open-eyed meditation is a great place to start.
It’s Good for Personal Growth
Open-eyed meditation helps you become a better version of yourself. By sitting with your eyes open, you are able to see things more clearly and make better decisions. This type of meditation also increases self-worth because it helps you realize that you are in control of your own life. Open-eyed meditation is a good way to learn about yourself and grow as a person.
Final Word
While it may seem easy, open-eyed meditation takes some practice before you can do it perfectly. If you have a hard time getting a hang of it, you can join a meditation class or use one of the meditation apps on your phone. With patience, dedication, and perseverance, you will be able to reap the benefits of open-eyed meditation.