On the contrary of closed-eyes meditation, also known as "focused-attention" meditation, where close your eyes as you meditate, eyes-open meditation, also known as "open-monitoring" or "non-directed" meditation, is a technique where the practitioner keeps their eyes open during the meditation session. This technique is becoming increasingly popular among meditation practitioners, as research shows that it does not only have more benefits but also it is easier and sustainable compared to closed-eyes meditation.

Why meditate with your eyes open? What are the benefits of eyes-open meditation?

One of the main benefits of eyes-open type of meditation is that it helps to increase cognitive flexibility, which is the ability to adapt to new and changing environments. Studies have shown that regular practice of open-monitoring meditation can lead to an increase in gray matter in the anterior cingulate cortex, a brain region responsible for cognitive flexibility. This means that people who practice open-monitoring meditation are better able to adapt to new situations, make better decisions, and solve problems more effectively than those who practice closed-eyes meditation.

Another benefit of open eye meditation is that it can help to reduce stress and anxiety. By focusing on the present moment and being mindful of your surroundings, thoughts and feelings, it can help you become more aware of your own mental and physical well-being. This can lead to improved emotional regulation and the ability to better manage stress and anxiety. Research has also shown that open-monitoring meditation can lead to a decrease in cortisol, a stress hormone, which can help to reduce stress levels.

What Is Augmented Reality?

Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that layers digital information on top of the physical world. It can be used to enhance what we see, hear, feel and smell. There are a lot of potential benefits to AR-based apps, but one of the most important is their ability to help us connect with other people. For people who feel lonely, AR apps can provide a much-needed connection to the outside world.

Is it an easier meditation technique than closed eyes meditation?

Eyes-open meditation is also easier and more sustainable compared to closed-eyes meditation. One of the main reasons for this is that it allows the practitioner to be more aware of their surroundings, which can be helpful for those who are easily distracted during closed-eyes meditation. Additionally, open-monitoring meditation can also be practiced in a variety of different settings, such as while walking, doing chores, or even while driving. This makes it more accessible and sustainable for people who have busy lives and struggle to find time for closed-eyes meditation.

There is also a study conducted by the University of Sussex which found that people who practiced open-monitoring meditation for eight weeks reported a greater sense of well-being and satisfaction with their lives compared to those who practiced closed-eye meditation. This suggests that eyes-open meditation can be effective for promoting overall well-being and quality of life.

How to meditate with open eyes?

An example of eyes-open meditation would be to find a comfortable and quiet place to sit or stand and simply observe your surroundings without judgment or attachment. You can focus on the colors, shapes, and textures around you, and take note of any thoughts or emotions that arise without engaging with them. Here is how step by step:

1. Find a comfortable and quiet place to sit or stand. You can sit on a chair or cushion, or even stand if you prefer.
2. Keep your back straight and your shoulders relaxed. This will help to keep your mind and body in a relaxed state.
3. Gently open your eyes and focus on a specific point in your environment. This could be gazing on a spot on the wall, a flower, or anything else that catches your attention.
4. Take note of any thoughts or emotions that arise. Don't judge or engage with them, just observe them as they pass through your mind.
5. Try to keep your focus on the point in your environment for as long as you can. If your mind starts to wander, gently bring your attention back to the point.
6. Continue this process for 5-10 minutes, or for as long as you like.

It's important to be kind to yourself and not to expect perfection when meditating with your eyes open, it is normal for the mind to wander, and it takes practice to keep focus. With practice, you will find that open-monitoring meditation can be a powerful tool for increasing awareness, reducing stress, and promoting overall well-being.

In conclusion, eyes-open meditation, also known as "open-monitoring" or "non-directed" meditation, is a technique that is gaining popularity among meditation practitioners. Research has shown that eyes-open meditation is not only more beneficial, but also easier and sustainable compared to closed-eyes meditation. The benefits of eyes-open meditation include increased cognitive flexibility, reduced stress and anxiety, and overall well-being and quality of life. With these benefits and flexibility, it is an excellent technique for people to try and incorporate into their daily routine.

Use Visutate to Meditate with Your Eyes Open

Visutate App can help with open-eye meditation by providing guided visualization experiences to help focus your mind during the meditation session. The app offers a variety of different visualization experiences that can be customized to your specific needs and preferences.

Some of the features of Visutate that can help with open-eye meditation include:

1. A variety of guided visualization exercises: The app offers a wide range of unique different visualization experiences to choose from, such as meditating above the clouds, in the fantasy forest, or underwater.
2. Customizable options: The app allows you to customize the visualization experiences to suit your specific needs and preferences. You can create the experience and the environment you desire in creation mode using objects, effects, music and 360 videos,
3. Progress tracking: The app allows you to track your progress and see how your visualization skills have improved over time.
4. Community support: The app has a community of users who share their experiences and offer support and encouragement.
5. Reminder and daily reminders: This feature of the app reminds the user to practice visualization at a specific time of the day, helping to make the practice more consistent and sustainable.

By using Visuate app, you can access variety of guided visualization experiences supported by AR technology that can help you focus your mind, reduce stress and anxiety, and promote overall well-being. The app makes it easy to practice open-eye meditation on a regular basis, and with the help of the features it provides, you can make it a sustainable practice.