Many first-time meditators (myself included) assume that the most productive (and only) way to meditate is with their eyes closed. The choice is actually yours: keep your eyes closed or open. Each has pros and cons, with neither method guaranteed to be better for you without first trying it out!
The video above talks about how you can meditate with eyes open, if that’s what you want to do, but also offers a succinct explanation of the advantages and disadvantages of meditating with either eyes open or closed.
Basically, with eyes open versus eyes closed:
- With eyes closed, you cut all stimulation from the surrounding environment and can possibly concentrate on your thoughts better. However, if your mind is not yet “disciplined” enough, you might let thoughts and minor distractions (like sounds) prevent you from getting into a productive meditative state.
- With eyes closed, you might feel sleepy and just fall asleep instead.
- With eyes open, you can avoid day-dreaming and other distracting thoughts because you just stare blankly in front of you. Some people find this to be an easier introduction to be meditation.
- Obviously, with your eyes open, you won’t fall asleep as easily (though if you do, that’s…quite impressive). Some claim, however, that their meditation doesn’t get as deep.
In the end, how you meditate and even how long you do it are a matter of preference. Try out both and see which works better for you! (Note that the link below includes mention of a course, which we are not endorsing.)
How To Meditate: Eyes Open or Closed [Christopher Lee May]
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