Which is correct, meditating with your eyes open or closed?

As more and more people approach meditation, I always have folks as this common about the practice- which is correct, meditating with your eyes open or closed?

The truth is- they both are correct, it really depends on a few things:

  • style and lineage of your meditation

  • your intention behind meditating

Meditation with your eyes open creates a vehicle to cultivate presence and observe the external world exactly as it is- a much more wakeful experience

Meditation with your eyes closed provides a more restful experience that withdraws the senses, priming you for a journey within.

The next time you come to your cushion, ask yourself what do you need in this moment for your meditation practice- a more wakeful presence, or a restful journey inward.

Feel free to share below your experiences with both styles of meditation.

Shawn Moore