Closed-Eye Meditation can be harmful for Depressed Individuals

1 year ago By Yogi Anoop

"Yogi Anoop Warns Against Closed-Eye Meditation for Depressed Individuals"

Student: Yogi Anoopji, I have been practicing meditation for a while now, and I have found it to be quite helpful in managing my stress levels. However, I have a friend who is suffering from depression, and I recommended that they try meditation. But now, after hearing what you said, I'm confused. Can you explain why meditating with closed eyes can be dangerous for people suffering from depression?

Yogi Anoop: Yes please, People suffering from depression have a tendency to isolate themselves and be under pressure from such negative thoughts that they fill themselves with while being alone. And at the same time, they have a habit of trapping themselves in their own thoughts. When they close their eyes and focus on their breath or try to meditate, it is natural that they will sink deeper into depression. They start to get entangled in their own thoughts, according to their nature.

Student: I see. That makes sense. So, what do you recommend for such people? Should they meditate with eyes open?

Yogi Anoop: I recommend to practice pranayama first and then they practice meditation with their eyes open, especially until they are going through the phase of depression, as the chances of it leading them towards depression will increase. When they meditate with closed eyes, they enter the same world they have created, which causes them pain and sadness. Closing their eyes, they get trapped again in the same cycle of thoughts and emotions. There are some such elements that advise against closing eyes during meditation.

Student: Okay, I understand. But what if someone is already meditating with closed eyes and is suffering from depression? What should they do?

Yogi Anoop: If someone is already meditating with closed eyes and is suffering from depression, then they should stop meditating with closed eyes and switch to open-eyed meditation. They should focus on their breath rather than on any image or point in between the eyebrows. Keeping the eyes fixed on a point in between the eyebrows can increase the feeling of heaviness in the air. The eyes should be relaxed, and the muscles around them should be loose.

Student: That makes sense. But what if someone starts crying or gets overwhelmed with negative emotions during meditation?

Yogi Anoop: If you start feeling overwhelmed during meditation, it's important to take a break and focus on your breathing. You can also try practicing pranayama, which is a type of yogic breathing exercise that can help balance your emotions and calm your mind.

Student: Thank you for explaining that. What about pranayama? Can that be helpful for people suffering from depression?

Yogi Anoop: Yes, definitely. I recommend that people with this type of depressive nature practice pranayama more instead of meditation. 

First, sit comfortably in a cross-legged position with your spine straight. If spinal pain is there then can be taken back support. Then, slowly inhale as you raise both arms (Hands) out to the sides and hold your breath for a few seconds as recommended by your guide. As you exhale, lower your arms back down. Repeat this exercise for about five minutes.

Even if someone wants to permanently end depression, it is appropriate to do it 2 to 3 times a day for a few months. However, before any practice of pranayama, advice should be taken from an experienced guru.

Student: That sounds simple enough. And then after finishing this pranayam should anyone meditate with my eyes open, right?

Yogi Anoop: Yes, that's right. When you meditate with your eyes open, you can focus on your breath or a simple object in front of you. It's important to stay relaxed and not force yourself to concentrate too hard. And if you start feeling overwhelmed, you can always take a break and come back to it later.

Remember, it's important to be patient and gentle with yourself as you start your meditation practice. And if you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to me or another experienced teacher for guidance.

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