This course will explore techniques of open eye meditation, the calming therapeutic effect of bringing meditation into a visual practice -- deepening, softening, and challenging one’s visual experience. Over the course of nine weeks, participants will be asked to leave the comfort zone of meditation in a contained space, bringing various forms of stimulation and interaction to the meditative practice.

Course Curriculum:

Week 1

Basic techniques of softening/ expanding the visual field.
Chi gong techniques for grounding energy (practicing open eyed).

Week 2

Deepening practice of expanding visual field.
Entering longer meditation practice.

Week 3

Physical positions affecting the meditative state— movement, stillness, reflex stimulation.

Week 4

Open eye meditation practice. Interactive/ partnering class.

Week 5

Long durational meditative exercises. Interactive/ partnering class. Exploring the notion of leaving one’s comfort zone—what can be learned by this practice?

Week 6

Meditating with eyes wide shut.

Open eyes are associated with seeing, yet what can be seen when the eyes are closed? How can the notion of seeing inform and deepen a close eye meditation practice?

Week 7

Open eye meditation with artistic visual stimulation, how a meditative state effects one’s consumption of art?

Week 8

Bringing meditative practice outside of the studio. Participants will be lead on a meditative walk through the city.

Week 9

Discussion regarding the use of open eye meditation techniques in daily life, as well as in a meditation and yoga practice. Conclusive evaluation of course material -- meditative interaction, leaving comfort level in meditation practice, leaving the contained space of the studio, how meditation effects the integration of visual stimulation. Ending meditation.