Open-Eyed Meditation: The New zone

Have you ever had an out-of-body experience where you feel as if you’re in a free fall or a different zone?

Many people undergo this sensation during athletic performance. When our bodies are functioning at maximum physical capacity, we can experience a euphoric rush from endorphins. This promotes a “high definition” effect, in which the world suddenly seems to come alive.

Many people have also had this experience when eating a clean, healthy diet. Our senses become clearer and more sensitive to our environment and we perceive the world in front of us more sharply and vividly. The first time I had this zone-like sensation occurred at the age of 18 when I tried out meditation.

By shifting my brain-waves, I gained access to this state of being.

This phenomenon is well recognized by students of the brain and psychologists: among other things, it has been called “presence,” “endorphin high,” “meditation,” and even “altered states of being.” In their longing for this euphoric high, many people have resorted to chemicals as harmless as caffeine in a cup of coffee or as dangerous and addictive as cocaine or heroin.

But the simple truth is that we can access this state anytime and anywhere with simple intention and with a shift in our mental state.

 The mind is a powerful tool. It can be our best friend or worst enemy.

(Who hasn’t had fallen into the self-destructive practice of obsessing on something negative that happened hours, days, or even years ago?)  When mastered, however, the mind can be used to create a zone-like, meditative state which serves as a foundation of serenity while we go about daily lives.  

Let’s look at how our brains function. The brain is composed of billions of brain cells, known as neurons, which use electricity to communicate with each other. This massive amount of electrical activity can be detected using an electroencephalogram (EEG) and is measured in pulses per second on the hertz scale.

These pulses occur in cyclical, wave-like patterns which are generally referred to as brain waves and have been scientifically quantified -- as delta, theta, alpha, and beta -- representing the physiological spectrum of human consciousness.

Delta is the sleeping state, when we are completely unconscious; delta waves range from 0.1 to 4 pulses per second.

Theta is a state of reduced consciousness and its waves range from 4-7 pulses per second.

Alpha is the state of physical and mental relaxation and its waves range from 7-13 pulses per second.

Beta is the state of being wide awake and fully alert, its waves ranging from 13-60 pulses per second.

Generally, we are accustomed to functioning in the beta state. It is in this state that we are most likely to experience stress. Yet, with greater awareness and by practicing techniques that allow us to gain control over our consciousness, we have the ability to shift our mental state.

In the healing field, this zone is known as the “theta brain.” Almost all healing modalities make use of this shift to allow the mind to grow quiet while the body heals itself. In acupuncture, for example, while the patient is lying on the operating table, the needles open various channels in the body and promote healing. Acupuncture induces a state of relaxation, reduces stress, and creates peace.

Those of you who have undergone acupuncture: have you ever noticed that the mind becomes very loud at the beginning and the clamor subsides as the treatment progresses? This is the theta zone, where the shift occurs and where we have access to unlimited energy.

In the beta state, our minds expend large quantities of energy, generating an average of more than 60,000 thoughts per day. Imagine what wonders we could accomplish if we harnessed all that energy to accomplish goals, complete projects and perform our daily activities.

In the past, meditation masters have dedicated hours upon hours to closing their eyes and practicing a form of meditation that withdraws them from society. But this is not what I am advocating. Meditating in a cave for days on end is so last century.

 In my practice I have learned that open-eyed meditation can be done anytime, anywhere. In modern society, practicing open-eyed meditation allows us to be remarkably productive and incredibly creative in all areas of our lives.

Shifting into the theta state actually enables us to do much more in every moment as our energy is directed towards our activities instead of being expended on our thoughts.

It’s the ability to harness our energy in the present moment. By altering our state of awareness, we create a harmony of mind, body and spirit. This enables us to access the powerful store of energy which is readily available to us.

 Here is a simple but powerful practice that you can apply every day to get you started. Close your eyes and focus your thoughts onto your navel as a chi ball of light. Now, keeping your eyes closed, just feel yourself breathing. Yes. That’s it. Notice how your mind is concentrated on the action of breathing.

 Martial arts masters have been doing this for centuries. By performing this ritual, you shift your awareness out of your head and into your body.

 Bringing your awareness into your body is a powerful tool to access the zone and meet complexity with absolute simplicity. I invite you to try this out and see what happens. Next time you find your thoughts wandering in a million different directions, breathe with your awareness on your belly-button. It’s that simple. Awareness is a powerful tool. And I invite you to try it.

 I can also lead you through additional breathing exercises, meditation or other relaxation methods in a one-on-one session before your next business meeting, presentation, or other stressful activity and help you become a more productive and successful version of yourself. Please e-mail or call to schedule a session on the phone or in person.