What if I don’t want to close my eyes?

Many practices, like Yoga, Meditation, even a dance class, may instruct you to close your eyes. While turning off the sense of vision for many people allows them to go deeper into other sensations, for some it may trigger feelings of insecurity, fear, or even claustrophobia.

When you’re been told to close your eyes in a meditation or any mindfulness based experience, check with yourself if that feels safe. Always give yourself permission to keep your eyes open and/or lower your gaze instead.

What your guide is probably trying to encourage is more listening and deeper connection to sensation. But that requires feeling secure, calm, and having a regulated nervous system. Go for the goal: ease and connectedness, rather than the instruction: close your eyes.

Always prioritize your own well-being and sense of safety over anything a teacher tells you to do!