Mind Tools & Inspirations: Seeing with your eyes closed
In this 3-minute practice you explore what you perceive when your eyes are open and when your eyes are closed. Like flipping a light switch on and off, closing your eyes changes what your mind can see.
TRY THIS…
If you have time, let me guide you so you can focus on your experience.
HERE IS THE PRACTICE
Sit comfortably and let your eyes be open.
With your eyes open, notice how you feel.
Gently close your eyes.
Notice how you feel.
Again have your eyes open.
Bring your attention to your breathing.
Notice the feeling in your body as you inhale.
Gently close your eyes.
Bring your attention to your breathing.
Notice the feeling in your body as you inhale.
Once more, have your eyes open.
Explore the activity level of your thinking.
Gently close your eyes.
Explore the activity level of your thinking.
Reflect on what you can perceive when your eyes are closed.
WHY DO THIS?
Closing your eyes activates your “interoceptive neural network” — your brain pathways that sense internal bodily sensations. When your eyes are open, visual perception and a focus on the external world dominate.
Closing your eyes can be very helpful when you want to check in with how you are doing. Closing your eyes can also be a useful tool in daily life to help shift your perspective, to perhaps think differently.
Mind Tools & Inspirations are experiences for busy, smart, curious people to help you operate your human system.
To access the full set of Mind Tools visit https://www.yogamindtools.com/mind-tools-inspirations
I add a new experience every week.
Kindly,
Carrie
Carrie Heeter, PhD
Yoga Mind Tools
I remember you describing yourself as a portal between CA and MI schools. I remembered it as a fun description. Now I will try … “Eyelids as portal”. ;)