Can You Meditate With Your Eyes Open?

Meditation can take many forms, but the general consensus is that it's best if you can close your eyes. Why? Because meditation can be an internal process where you begin to notice thoughts and feelings in a nonjudgmental way, which means paying attention to what's happening INSIDE your head. Before we cover if it’s possible to meditate with your eyes open, let’s take a brief look at what meditation is.

What is meditation?

Meditation is the practice of focusing your attention, purposefully and non-judgmentally, on one thing at a time. This can take many forms: You can meditate to focus on your breath, bodily sensations, the sights and sounds around you, or a mantra (i.e., words repeated silently).

So, can you meditate with your eyes open?

There's no right or wrong answer to this question – it's really up to each person. Some people find it easier to focus when their eyes are closed, while others feel more comfortable keeping them open. If you're new to meditation, it might be a good idea to try it both ways and see which one works better for you.

How to meditate with open eyes

There are a few things to keep in mind if you choose to meditate with your eyes open:

1. Make sure your surroundings are calm and peaceful. If there are a lot of distractions around you, it can be difficult to focus.

2. Keep your gaze soft and unfocused. Don't stare at anything in particular, but allow your eyes to wander around.

3. Don't try to control your thoughts. When your mind starts to wander, simply acknowledge the thought and let it go.

4. If you feel like you're about to fall asleep, close your eyes and take a few deep breaths.

Repeat this process for 10-15 minutes, or until you feel relaxed and focused.

Benefits of open-eyed meditation

There are a number of benefits of open-eyed meditation:

1. It can help you stay alert and focused throughout the day.

2. It can improve your concentration and focus.

3. It can help you become more aware of your surroundings.

4. It can increase your clarity of thought.

5. It can help you stay connected with the present moment

6. It can also help you become more aware of your thoughts and emotions.

7. It can help you deal with stress and anxiety.

8. It can improve your overall well-being.

9. It can help you connect with your inner self.

10. It can be a powerful tool for transformation and personal growth.

What happens when you meditate with your eyes open?

Some people believe that it is impossible to meditate with your eyes open, as the focus required for meditation can be disrupted. However, others find that keeping their eyes open allows them to better connect with their surroundings and maintain focus on their breath or mantra.

There are pros and cons to both approaches. Those who choose to keep their eyes closed may find that they can more easily focus on their internal experience, while those who keep their eyes open may find it easier to remain aware of their surroundings.

Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide what works best for them. Some people find that they can do both, while others prefer to stick with one or the other.

How do you visualize with your eyes open?

1. Look at a picture that has a significant meaning for you when you think about your goals or dreams.

For instance, if you want to bring about a trip to Bali, a sandy beach might represent this. Or, if you're going to get into shape and build muscle, an attractive fitness model may be the answer. It can be a photograph or a drawing, or even an image on your computer or phone.

2. Relax your eyelids. Relax your eyes and look slightly downwards, with your eyes half-open or fully opened. Do what feels most relaxing for you.

3. Begin visualizing your goal or ambition, just like you would if you were daydreaming.

Keep looking at your picture. Begin by creating a narrative around this picture and your goal.

If you've done it a few times, try looking at the photo, drawing or image only at the beginning of your session, and then from step 2 on, look at a blank wall or into the distance (the ocean, lake, forest or skyline).

Try meditating with your eyes open

So, if you're looking for a way to boost your productivity and focus throughout the day, or if you're struggling with stress or anxiety, open-eyed meditation may be just what you need. Give it a try and let us know your experience in the comments below.