I generally meditate with my eyes open, but I often find that closing my eyes for some amount of time seems to settle my practice. It seems a bit like putting a blanket over a bird's cage: the bird quiets down pretty quickly.
It seems most helpful either:Â
- As a break or change of pace in a generally "scattered" or chaotic session.
- For a few minutes at the beginning of a session, when I remember to do it.
A caution: do
not try this when you're very tired. You'll go right out and probably crack your floor...