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Deborah Livingston's avatar

I truly appreciate your thoughtful written discussion about eyes open/eyes closed in meditation. Because you are my teacher, I practice with eyes open as this is the way you taught me. However, as you suggest with your modern dance example, there are many ways to meditate. I think where we get into the weeds is when we stress over open/closed eyes. This pulls the mind away from the practice and might cause someone to just stop. There are times to practice with eyes closed such as Lovingkindness meditations. I believe shamatha is the foundation for all meditation practices. Just like all buildings need a strong foundation, whether tall or short, so do meditation practices. Strength, stability, and clarity result and the wild world becomes a bit more manageable and we find calm peaceful abiding.

As always, my thanks to you my sweet teacher.

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Cyndi Lee's avatar

Deborah, this is so beautifully written. Indeed, practice does help “the wild world become a bit more manageable.” Ahhhh…

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Bradley Bateman's avatar

Meditation is really about what happens when we stop meditating.

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Cyndi Lee's avatar

That quote is so spot on!

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Amanda C. Sandos's avatar

Yes yes yes! Eyes open. This is the way. For me at least.

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Danni Levy's avatar

Thank you Cyndi. This type of thought is always a necessary reminder. We tend to be drawn with what feels pleasant in our practice. And although pleasant is sweet, we need to step outside of our comfort zones, as we do in life. To find pleasant in the new and challenging - meditating without a guide, trying something different. Shamatha will be my new way.

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Cyndi Lee's avatar

HI Danny, Glad you are inspired by this post! Have you practiced Shamatha before?

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Danni Levy's avatar

Reading your description, "...shamatha is a method for getting to know your own mind better, developing a habit of non-reactivity and growing self-compassion, which expands into compassion." I think that I naturally practice it (obviously a beautiful result of my yoga and meditation practice that flows into my living practice) when I am speaking with my mom and when I see a potential fight starting with my husband. I looking forward to adding it to my formal meditation practice. Thanks again.

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David Michie's avatar

Good advice, Cyndi! I have also been taught that some meditations are more easily done with eyes shut (visualising inner body) and others with eyes open. Ultimately, we all have to experiment to find what works for us. Which may change over time! Great post!

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Cyndi Lee's avatar

Thank you so much! So glad you liked it - that means a lot.

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Chef Carla Contreras's avatar

I am excited to sit with this prompt Cyndi and report back what comes up. Taking your training shifted my practice. I now sit with eyes open as a way to connect and be present with the world around me 🙏🏼

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Cyndi Lee's avatar

So glad you have kept up your practice after the training! That is exactly why we practice with eyes open. Please do report back what comes up when you do this prompt.

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