While traditional meditation often invokes the image of closed eyes and deep internal focus, “open eyes” meditation brings a distinct and varied perspective to this ancient practice.
This trending form of all encompassing observation is something many visual artists have employed instinctively since the dawn of time. Without necessarily knowing there was a name for it, if you’re a creative you may have been doing it already! HINT: the moments where you’ve been quiet enough to feel like you’re taking in everything all at once; filling up with equal parts wholeness, humility, bigness, smallness and AWE.
For me it’s the moments spent in deep observation right before I gaze upon a subject I’m interested in learning about, before I make a decision to draw or paint it. It’s when I lose the distinction between myself and nature, space and time. Sitting with complete objectivity and seeing only shape and colour, light and shadow rather than labelling “tree”, “fruit”, “eyes” or “figure” frees us up to take in even more detail and truth.
Open eyes meditation offers a doorway to a serene mental state that does not require withdrawal from your surroundings. It encourages an attitude of peaceful alertness that can dramatically benefit your daily life, influencing everything from personal interactions to how you experience stress.
This practice also heightens our awareness, brings curiosity and fosters appreciation of sublime beauty in the everyday. THIS is how we deepen and train our eye-mind-heart connection. THIS is at the very root of why I started The Artist’ Eye.
“The essence of the fourth foundation, at least from a Dzogchen/Mahamudra perspective, is how to step out of the conceptual mind and rest in non-conceptual awareness. It teaches what is known as ‘objectless meditation.’ When we meditate on our breath, our bodily sensations, or a sound, these become the object of our meditation. When we practise objectless meditation, we simply rest in awareness in itself. Our mind comes home to seeing its own nature.”1
~ Kim Little (Founder of Moments of Space)
I was recently listening to a podcast that introduced Moments of Space an App which has caught the attention of celebrity Gwyneth Paltrow ( CEO of the lifestyle company GOOP) who recently joined as Global Community Director. You can enjoy a short meditation lead by Gwyneth at the bottom of my publication from their platform.
Benefits:
Encourages present-moment awareness
Fosters a sense of peace that interacts with daily life
Enhances concentration and visual perception
Allows for a more accessible transition from meditation to daily activities
It’s a remarkable practice which I teach in my travel journal workshops to promote memory enhance travel experiences
(Above: On-site watercolour illustration of Monet’s garden in a Giverny)
I have found that this form of meditation can be particularly beneficial as it offers a sense of calm and presence that one can not only access, but carry throughout the day bolstering gratitude and joy. I’ve found it also alleviates judgment and boredom.
I know in fact that I am NEVER bored. This full hearted observation is an incredible mechanism for discovering the divine in the mundane, the positive in the most difficult solutions and ultimately the peace within us, even in a tumultuous environment. All tools that I have called upon in various phases of my life. The world in a micro or macro level never ceases to delight and inspire me as an artist and human being.
Learning to Listen with the Eyes
In the 20 + years of teaching nature drawing, I have encouraged my students to go beyond just looking. Being “good at drawing” is not about looking - it's about seeing. To see nature is to listen with your eyes, to be attuned to the subtle shifts of light and shadow, the myriad of textures, and the harmony of colours, the positive and the negative spaces. This attentive form of observation serves as a wonderful mechanism to quiet the internal chatter that often invades our daily consciousness. In an upcoming post, I will offer up a few slow nature drawing exercises you can try!
Me with my wonderful watercolour group in Newfoundland Canada
Give the practice (below) a try, and discover a new layer of tranquillity in your own life and bring more softness, acceptance and gratitude to your everyday spaces.
OPEN EYES MEDITATION to Clear Creative Blocks
FIRST try the meditation as outlined below (or listen to the audio sample from Moments of Space)
Use the meditation to clear creative blocks or to start your art sessions.
Let this spaciousness fill you up.
See what comes up (imagery, feelings etc…)
Try not to judge, rather bring curiosity
After meditation, while the experience is fresh, you might want to sketch, paint, or write about what you’ve observed or felt.
Practice regularly to cultivate a deeper connection to your environment and your art.
Give it a try using these guidelines:
Practice Steps:
Find a Quiet Space:
Sit in a peaceful area where you won't be disturbed. You may sit on the floor cross-legged, on a cushion, or in a chair with your feet flat on the ground.
Body Posture:
Keep your back straight, your chin slightly tucked in, and your hands resting gently on your knees or in your lap.
Eye Position:
Instead of closing your eyes, relax your gaze and look slightly downward. Your gaze should be soft and unfocused, allowing you to be aware of your surroundings without concentrating on anything specific.
Breath Awareness:
Breathe naturally through your nose, and bring your attention to the rise and fall of your chest or the sensation of air entering and leaving your nostrils.
Presence in the Moment:
As you breathe, engage with the present moment. Acknowledge the sounds and light patterns around you. Notice them without attachment or judgment, letting them exist around you as you might notice trees during a walk.
Mental Focus:
When thoughts arise, gently acknowledge them and return your focus to your breath. This is about managing your attention, understanding that being present is a choice.
Duration and Closing:
Continue this meditation for 5-10 minutes when starting. To close the practice, gently close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, and bring the consciousness you cultivated into the rest of your day.
Open eyes meditation can become an integral part of an artist's life, offering a fresh perspective and contributing to a rich pool of sensory experiences from which to draw creative inspiration.
TRY THIS MEDITATION courtesy of MOMENTS OF SPACE 2https://www.momentsofspace.com/our-story
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Through my own artistic journey spanning 40+ years, I have tapped into the many benefits of painting, observing & learning from nature. The most valuable of which is the positive lens through which I see the world as an artist. Whether you’re a student or whether you can’t draw a stick-man, I want to share with you what I’ve learned to help you cultivate more POSITIVITY, more GRATITUDE and explore deeper CONNECTION through not only art but every day life. The Artist’s Eye: motivation, inspiration, conversation and of course even some art delivered right to your inbox!
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