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.
All posts tagged “eyes”
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Closing my eyes from time to time
fredclaymeyer — 14 years ago — in What works for me
fredclaymeyer — 14 years ago — in What works for me
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
It seems most helpful either:Â
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Noticing and relaxing facial tension
fredclaymeyer — 14 years ago — in What works for me
fredclaymeyer — 14 years ago — in What works for me
A comment someone made about a recent meditation session reminded me of this: I can really tell a lot about how my mind is by examining the tension in my face, particularly my forehead and eyebrows. (Other people mention the jaw as well, although I wouldn't say I carry any particular tension there.)
Relaxing those areas actually makes me feel better, too; I've found it difficult to be miserable with a calm, relaxed face.
As a sidenote, traditional artwork depicting very advanced meditators tends to draw them with relaxed eyes; and I find that highly awakened people who are actually alive do indeed have those eyes. Here are a few photos--see what you think:
1. Traditional "wisdom eyes" drawing;
2. Buddha statue;
3. Adyashanti (modern spiritual teacher).
Relaxing those areas actually makes me feel better, too; I've found it difficult to be miserable with a calm, relaxed face.
As a sidenote, traditional artwork depicting very advanced meditators tends to draw them with relaxed eyes; and I find that highly awakened people who are actually alive do indeed have those eyes. Here are a few photos--see what you think:
1. Traditional "wisdom eyes" drawing;
2. Buddha statue;
3. Adyashanti (modern spiritual teacher).
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Question for February 24, 2013: Eyes Open or Closed
Medivate — 14 years ago — in Question of the Week
Medivate — 14 years ago — in Question of the Week
When meditating, are your eyes open or closed? Why?
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Shakuhachi — 14 years ago — permalinkClosed, though sometimes I will briefly open them just a little.▲
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terrormortus — 14 years ago — permalinkPersonally I keep them closed. Without all the visual information coming in it helps me to focus on my breathing.
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Question for October 19, 2014: Eyes: Open or Closed?
Medivate — 12 years ago — in Question of the Week
Medivate — 12 years ago — in Question of the Week
When meditating, are your eyes open or closed? Why?
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davidbhayes — 12 years ago — permalinkI do both.
Especially when I'm feeling tired, I find it useful to have one more stop before I can accidentally be asleep. But I also find having the eyes open — sort of unfocused in the middle distance — has another aspect of being a little more energetic for me (and making it easier to touch into things like restlessness) than when my eyes are closed.
I do like the aspect of having your eyes closed where it's much easier to be still and peaceful. For me that my eyes can't quite so easily go seeking an interesting thing to rest upon (and then think about...) can be really helpful.▲
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chenthillrulz — 12 years ago — permalinkLooks like there is a bug. I was able to see the reply, only after following the user. Until before, I never followed anybody and so never knew u had replied :)
Yes, I also at times used get sleep in the past. I have observed that it usually happens when there the mind gets engrossed in thoughts, when a conversation goes on inside.
I love playing badminton, motorbike ride, running after a good meditation session. Its just so wonderful to witness the activities and how our body performs everything automatically!! Esp. in badminton, get to play some new shots and would get surprised after playing it, would be super awesome!!▲
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chenthillrulz — 12 years ago — permalinkclosed. Meditation is about dropping the intentions arising in the mind by just staying with 'what is' and allowing the awareness to flow. Doing this is easy when the eyes are closed.
Moreover the mind and body gets in to action mode and move outwards easily, when eyes are opened. Once the staying with 'what is' starts happening with closed eyes, it automatically starts manifesting when eyes are open and when start performing activities such as work, sports etc. Making every act a meditation. This is my observation.
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Question for November 13, 2016: Eyes Open or Closed
Medivate — 10 years ago — in Question of the Week
Medivate — 10 years ago — in Question of the Week
When meditating, are your eyes open or closed? Why?
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Question for September 30, 2018: Eyes Open or Closed
Medivate — 8 years ago — in Question of the Week
Medivate — 8 years ago — in Question of the Week
When meditating, are your eyes open or closed? Why?
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Question for August 16, 2020: Eyes Open or Closed
Medivate — 6 years ago — in Question of the Week
Medivate — 6 years ago — in Question of the Week
When meditating, are your eyes open or closed? Why?
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NEBULABUFF — 6 years ago — permalinkSometimes open; sometimes closed. I always start with closed eyes but I'll occasionally open my eyes and look out into the trees and flowers in my back yard and allow myself to be awed by the splendor of creation. It is important to have one's awareness awestruck as often as possible. As Max Ehrmann points out in his "Desiderata", "With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it's still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy."