As we discussed in the last two blogs, eyes play a vital part in any martial arts practice. Vision is a very strong stimulus and directing your gaze is very effective for directing your energy.
Whether or not you should practice Qigong with your eyes open or closed is not a simple question. It depends, first of all, on whether the practitioner is experienced or a novice/beginner. It also depends on your purpose for practicing Qigong. And last, but not least, it depends on the health condition of the practitioner.
Qigong can be practiced with the eyes open or closed. Some Qigong exercises clearly state whether they eyes should be open or closed, while others do not. When trying to decide to practice Qigong with or without your eyes open, the following information may help you make a better decision.
As you probably know, where you focus your mind (with your eyes open), your energy will go in the direction of your visual awareness. A good example is focusing your vision and energy on one of your limbs. This will cause neural pathways to open, sending awareness, blood, and energy to that limb. This is one of the reasons for directing your vision/energy towards your moving hand (or other body part) in some exercises. This focus guides the energy flow where you intend it to go.
Looking in different directions also causes different parts of our brains to become more active. Yet another reason why certain Qigong exercises are very specific about how or where you should direct your gaze. Some of these are quite subtle while others are very obvious. One example is “Punching with Angry Eyes” in the 8 Section Brocades (Ba Duan Jin).
On the other hand, with your eyes closed and the visual stimulus removed, your attention turns inward. This will cause the energy to be directed towards the internal body and it’s processes. The focus will be directed within.
Eyes open:
Energy goes where you focus your mind (visual awareness).
You are able to watch your instructor/teacher (especially important if you are a new student).
Helps you to self correct (balance, direction, stance, etc.)
Energy is more active - YANG
Lets in light.
Liver tends to become activated.
There is a tendency to feel safer and more in control.
It can also be distracting, especially to a beginner.
Looking upwards is more YANG and it generally raises our energy.
Looking down is generally more YIN and our energy descends and we become more receptive to earth energy. Caution: watch your neck and head alignment.
Eyes closed:
Visual stimulus removed so attention and focus is turned inward.
Chatter in mind decreases and you can calm down easier.
Breathing tends to be slower and deeper.
The energy is directed towards the internal body.
Enhances inner cultivation of body energy and consciousness.
Energy is more passive - YIN
Can make you sleepy
If you would like to turn your focus inward but it is inappropriate, dangerous, or you are surrounded by items or walls, etc that you can bump into, try softening your focus or even partially closing your eyes. Occasionally, it is not a bad idea to practice with your eyes closed, whether or not you are a beginner. This will also help your grounding and the ability to be present in the moment. You can experiment by using your eyes in different ways.
If your eyes get tense in class, stop and close them for a short period of time. You may also keep your eyes partially closed/open. We discussed this soft focus in my September 12, 2021 blog.
Whether you decide to practice with your eyes open or closed, be sure to start and end your practice or training with your eyes closed, either sitting or standing. Concentrate on your breathing and letting your Qi settle. Many practitioners prefer to do this with their hands folded over the Dantian (center of energy).
Didn’t I tell you eyes open or closed wasn’t a simple question? The best answer is “it depends!
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