We really enjoy doing and sharing with others, the beautiful practice of Eye Gazing. It is a form of meditation and can be done with a partner or friend, and sometimes with complete strangers if you are attending a workshop.
We have been asked ‘What happens if you are doing this with someone you are not attracted to, dislike, or upset with?’ Well, the answer is that this practice can bring up many things for people, such as vulnerability, awkwardness, joy, resistance, openness, a feeling of being exposed or feeling silly, ecstatic feelings, and much more.
The intention is to go behind and see beyond the other persons perceived level of attractiveness. Or in the case of a partner, perhaps any disagreements, grudges or resentments. It is about holding a sense of reverence and seeing the other person as a manifestation of the divine. It also teaches you to be fully present and relaxed, form deep connection, opens the heart and enables an acceptance of yourself and the person you are sharing the practice with.
Perhaps you would like to try?
Agree on how long you will devote to this practice. Start by sitting opposite each other, cross legged if that is comfortable, and close your eyes. Begin to breathe slowly and deeply into the lower abdomen. It is not necessary at this point to try and synchronize your breathing, although this tends to happen naturally after a while. Once you feel centred and relaxed, open your eyes. Look into your partners left eye, keeping your eyes engaged but soft. Let any thoughts, desires or distractions pass by, allowing you the space to connect with the essence of the other person and then a feeling of expansion that goes beyond the two of you. Finish with an embrace and give each other 5 minutes in which to share how you felt.
Doing this Eye Gazing practice creates oneness and a sense of dissolving or merging into another whilst at the same time remaining present in your body.