THE MIRROR - Meditating with your eyes open
How many of my readers have attempted to meditate or develop a meditation practice?
According to the Oxford Online Dictionary, meditation is "thinking deeply or focusing one’s mind for a period of time, in silence or with the aid of chanting, for religious or spiritual purposes or as a method of relaxation."Individuals often wish to develop a meditation practice because it is “trendy” or think it is a quick fix to stress reduction. For those of us who have tried, actually tried to develop a true meditation practice, it is not that easy. It is difficult to quiet your mind and let go of thoughts that do not serve you. It is challenging to sit still in peace for a long time and to focus your attention 100% inward. Maybe there are other options?
Several years ago, my husband looked at me and said I don’t think you need to meditate because you are constantly in a state of meditation as you go throughout your day. I chuckled to myself and thought, boy, he does not know how much stress and anxiety I feel behind these eyes. The interesting thing is, as I started developing a meditation practice, I realized I did not get much from it. After three years of trying to develop the habit, and in fact, I tracked it, I questioned my intent. I was not receiving the value benefits that I thought I would. I then decided in 2026 to revisit that comment my husband made. I would actually believe he is accurate that I am in a constant state of meditation. Well, I take that back, I cannot say 100% the time I am in a meditative state, but there is a constant flow of present mindfulness that engulfs my being.
We can all be in this constant state of mindfulness and meditation. It’s about being present and noticing things around you. Noticing people‘s reactions, how they respond, and how they interact with others. Notice how a dog responds to people, or how the birds chirp, and when they’re scared, how they fly versus how they fly when they are at peace. Being present and mindful has significant benefits for your overall health and well-being. And by no means am I stating that I am, or have achieved, in her peace. I can not remotely be classified as a monk, but what I do know is that throughout my day, I am in a continuous state of presence, awareness, and mindfulness. It has been an approach that served me well when you’re able to completely immerse yourself in the moment that’s happening right now, that is a state of mindful presence, and at the end of the day, that is meditation. Allow yourself to completely be in the present and be mindful, focusing on your inner self and not permitting external interruptions.
There is so much unnecessary emphasis on meditating in a specific way, and while it is a beneficial practice in theory, many of us are misled into believing that true meditation is achievable only through the formal act of sitting with closed eyes and focusing on the breath. My main argument is that meditation and its benefits can occur through various forms of mindful presence woven throughout our day—it's not about whether one should meditate, but how one does. Therefore, I encourage you to consider broader possibilities for achieving presence and peace, and to stay with me as I explain my perspective.
Many individuals devoted to meditation practices may disagree with this. I would challenge that mindset because meditative practices vary. Tree bathing, walking meditation, or sauna time are just some ways people support their mental health journey by being present. Meditation doesn’t have to mean sitting still with your eyes closed. Many find mindfulness through movement, creativity, or everyday focused activities—walking, gentle movement like yoga or tai chi, attentive listening, intentional journaling, or even routine tasks. The essence is simply noticing the present moment with curiosity and without judgment, allowing the mind and body to settle naturally.
Meditation, at its heart, isn’t a goal reserved for those able to sit in silence with a calm mind. It’s a practice of presence—one that can appear in many forms throughout our daily lives. By releasing rigid ideas about how meditation should look, we create space for a more compassionate, accessible, and authentic connection with ourselves. Presence reveals itself in the way we listen, move, and notice the world's rhythms around us.
Instead of chasing a distant sense of bliss, we can gently return to the present moment. Every pause, every mindful breath, every act of intentional noticing becomes meditation. When mindfulness is woven into daily routines, it stops feeling like another task and instead becomes our way of being. Perhaps that is the quiet reality of meditation—not flawless practice, but continual, imperfect attempts amid our genuine, beautiful lives.
Disclaimer:
The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified health professionals with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard or delay seeking professional medical advice based on information you have read here.
