My Secret to Mystical Meditations: The Darkening Eye Mask
I've been meditating for the past 10 years and have explored numerous meditation techniques and tools that could enhance my practice. And among the various things I've tried, one that's had the most profound impact is the darkening eye mask. Its truly a game changer from a normal meditation experience to a mystical journey into the inner realms. Here is why I highly recommend using this tool in my mediation community specially for beginners -
What Exactly Is This Mask?
An eye mask is like the free sleep mask that you get on an airplane. Though these are good, I find that especially the complete darkening ones, are highly effective for meditation.
Why Have I Adopted This Practice?
Absence of Visual Stimuli: Light is one of the most powerful stimuli that can impact our circadian rhythms, mood, and alertness. Research shows that darkness can help improve parasympathetic nervous system functions. When I wear an eye mask, Ican relax and enter my inner sanctuary more quickly, blocking out all external stimuli. This enables me to concentrate and reach a deep meditative state faster.
The Dark Room Phenomenon: Ancient practices often talk about meditating in dark caves or rooms, aiming to achieve a profound state of consciousness. In those dark caves, yogis had no other things pulling their attention, When it’s dark, all you are focused on is the present moment. The mask, in a way, replicates this experience for me, allowing a deep dive into my subconscious mind.
Pineal Gland Activation: From what I've researched, the pineal gland (also called the "third eye") is more active in darkness. Activating the pineal gland can enhance your creativity and intuition by stimulating the right hemisphere of your brain, which is responsible for imagination, insight, and visualization. I have found that when I wear a mask while meditating, my meditations are more vivid and visual.
Enhanced Senses: Removing my mask after a deep meditation and coming back to the world of sense, is like unveiling a hidden world of vibrant colors and renewed beauty. Transitioning from darkness to light truly heightens your senses, making the post-meditation expereince truly gorgeous and pristine.
Consistency Anywhere: Whether I'm in a sunlit room or a dim corner, traveling in a car or on a plane with bright windows, my eye mask ensures I maintain a consistent meditation environment. It's like carrying my personal meditation cave with me.
My Personal Recommendations:
If you're considering trying this out, I'd suggest investing in a comfortable mask that contours to your face and blocks out light effectively. The goal is to forget it's there and immerse yourself in the meditation. I've experimented with a few, and while some took a little getting used to, the journey has been well worth it.
When it comes to picking the perfect meditation eye mask, there are several options available online. In my experience and research, three key features should be considered -
The mask should be contoured to relieve pressure from your eyes, allowing them to open and close without any discomfort.
It should effectively block out all light to enhance its effectiveness.
Prioritize comfort. The goal is to forget it's there and immerse yourself in the meditation.
The mask I personally use is called the Mindfold Sleep and Relaxation Eye Mask. It effectively blocks out light and I love meditating with it.
Have you tried meditating with an eye mask?
While I often meditate without an eye mask, there is a distinct and transformative difference in the meditation experience with and without the mask. The moment I gently open my eyes after a deep, focused meditation in the serene darkness, it feels as though I am gradually awakening to an entirely new world, brimming with vibrant energy and heightened awareness. And that’s sometimes very profound!
If you decide to embark on this sensory journey and try using an eye mask during your meditation practice, I would love to hear about your personal experience and the impact it has had on your state of mind. Please feel free to message me on IG @meditatewithsarika
Love & Light,
Sarika
