
Expanding the Visual Field: Open Eye Meditation Course with Elana Katz
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.