Are You Suppose To Close Your Eyes During Meditation?

The Lowdown on Shutting Your Lids During Meditation

When it comes to meditation, it feels like there’s an encyclopedia’s worth of advice out there. No joke, from the perfect pose to the ideal playlist, it seems everyone’s got a hot take on how to get your zen on. But let’s zoom in on one question that’s been making the rounds: Should you be closing your eyes when you meditate? Ah, the debate is real, and we’re here to shed some much-needed light on it.

To Close or Not to Close: That Is the Question

First things first, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. Meditation is as personal as your playlist – what rocks for one might be a total snooze fest for another. So, what’s the deal with the eyes-open or eyes-closed dilemma? Let’s break it down.

Team Eyes Closed: The Inside Scoop: Let’s face it, our world’s busier than a bee in a flower shop. Closing your eyes helps slam the breaks on the sensory overload, allowing you to focus inward. It’s like telling the outside world, “BRB, going on a little mind trip.” Distraction Ditchers: With your peepers shut, the chances of your attention taking a hike every time something moves is minimized. You’re less likely to get caught up in the ol’ “Squirrel!” distraction.

Team Eyes Open: The Awareness Advocates: Here’s a hot take – meditation isn’t about escaping reality, it’s about tuning into it, deeper. Keeping your eyes open, especially during mindfulness practices, can help you stay grounded and in the moment. Zen and the Art of Not Napping: Let’s be real, for some of us, closing our eyes is a straight ticket to Snoozeville. Keeping them open can help keep the zzz’s at bay.

Tips for Both Camps

Whether you’re team eyes wide shut or prefer to keep a lookout while you chill out, here’s some advice to keep your meditation game strong:

For the Closed-Eyed Crew: Mind the Light: Too much light can be distracting, even with your eyes closed. Find a dim, or softly lit space where you won’t be seeing the sun’s rave through your eyelids. Visualize: Use the darkness behind your closed eyes as a canvas to paint your inner visualizations. It might help deepen your meditation.

For the Open-Eyed Squad: Blurry Vision Strategy: Rather than focusing on a specific spot, try letting your eyes go slightly unfocused. It helps maintain openness without getting tangled up in details. Gaze Gently: Find a non-distracting spot or object to rest your gaze on. A candle flame or a simple stone can work wonders.

Wrapping It Up with a Bow

At the end of the day, whether you meditate with your eyes open or closed is up to you. It’s like flipping a coin where both sides win. The real juice is in giving yourself that time to connect inward, breathe, and let go of the buzz. Experiment, see what vibes with you, and remember, in the grand tapestry of meditation, the only wrong way to do it is not to do it at all. So, roll out that mat, find your comfy spot, and get ready to dive deep into the ocean of calm — eyes open or closed, you’ve got this.