The third eye symbolizes an enlightened state of consciousness from which one can perceive the world. In essence, it is increasing the power of your perception through mental clarity and acuity. Using your third eye does not mean that you become clairvoyant, or gain magical powers, as some people may think. It means you gain more control over your own mind and your emotions. Opening your third eye gives you a deeper sense of intuition about the world around you. It won't happen overnight, but there are all kinds of things you can do to open your third eye.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Learning to meditate
Step 1. Locate your third eye chakra
Chakras are energy centers in your body. In fact, they are wheels of energy that rotate one above the other around your spine. There are seven chakras, and each corresponds to a different part of your physical, mental and spiritual well-being. Your third eye chakra is the sixth chakra.
- The third eye chakra is located at the front of your brain, between your two eyes. It sits right above the bridge of your nose.
- While meditating, try to focus on this chakra. It makes you see the world more clearly.
Step 2. Choose the right environment
Meditation is one of the most effective methods of opening the third eye. By becoming aware of your thoughts, you will achieve a mental clarity associated with the third eye. The purpose of meditation is to make the mind focus on a thought or object. It is important to choose an environment where you feel completely comfortable when you meditate.
- Some people feel calmer and can open up better when they are in nature. If this is the case for you, you can meditate outside. Find a place where the temperature is comfortable and where you can sit quietly without being disturbed.
- Meditating indoors is also fine. Many people have set up a special place in their home to meditate. That's usually a pillow to sit on on the floor, and maybe some candles and some quiet music.
- Remember that meditation is a very personal process. The environment has to be right for you.
Step 3. Prepare your posture
The connection between body and mind is very important in meditation. The more comfortable you feel physically, the easier it is to focus on the object or thought during meditation. The most effective meditation position is (a variation of) the cross-legged sitting position on the floor.
- If you are used to sitting in a chair, you can get used to sitting on the floor every day. After a while it will feel more natural and you can concentrate more easily on the meditation.
- Most people use at least one pillow to sit more comfortably on the floor. But feel free to take two or three firm pillows, if that's more comfortable.
- If you can't sit comfortably, don't worry. You can also try walking meditation. For some people, the rhythmic sound of the soles of their feet is very soothing. Walk slowly, and have a clear path so you don't have to think about where to go.
Step 4. Choose an object
An object of meditation can be a thought, or a physical object. You choose it to make it easier for your brain to focus on something. Then you prevent your mind from wandering, and so your meditation becomes more effective.
- Candles are very popular meditation objects. The flickering flame is easy to keep looking at, and it comforts many people.
- The meditation object does not have to be physically close. You can also imagine an ocean, or any beautiful tree you have ever seen. Just make sure you can clearly see it in your mind's eye.
Step 5. Choose a mantra
A mantra is a word or phrase that is repeated while meditating. You can say the mantra in your head, or out loud -- that's a personal choice. Your mantra should be personal and meaningful to you.
- Your mantra can be something that you want to integrate into your mind or into your consciousness. For example, you can repeat the mantra "I choose to be happy." That reinforces the idea that you should focus on happiness all day long.
- For example, another mantra you can choose is the word 'peace'.
Step 6. Make it a habit
You have to practice meditation. That means it probably won't be a great success the first few times. Your mind will wander, and you may even fall asleep. Successfully learning to meditate is a process and takes time.
Try to meditate every day. Start with short sessions, maybe just five or even two minutes. You will soon feel more comfortable with the whole process and you will be able to meditate a little longer each day
Part 2 of 3: Becoming more attentive
Step 1. Learn what it means to be attentive
Being attentive means being actively aware of what is happening around you. You consciously pay attention to your emotions and physical sensations. By being more attentive you come into contact with yourself and the world around you.
- As you become more attentive, try to avoid judging. Just observe and take things for knowledge, without forming an opinion as to whether something is 'good' or 'bad'.
- For example, if you're stressed, don't judge yourself for that feeling. Just observe it, and acknowledge your emotions.
Step 2. Go outside
Going outside can make you more attentive. If you are more attentive, you can open your third eye more easily, because you become more aware of it. That's why it's a good idea to take a short walk every day and try to spend more time in nature.
In today's culture we are 'plugged in' for a large part of the day. This means that we are always looking at an electronic device. When you go outside, remind yourself to step away from all stimuli for a while
Step 3. Be creative
By paying attention, you can better get in touch with your creative side. Research shows that mindfulness meditation can be a great remedy for writer's block or other blocks that creatives may experience. If you are attentive you can open creative doors.
Experiment with your creative side. Paint, draw or learn to play an instrument. Let your creativity flow so that you get in touch with yourself more and you can open your third eye
Step 4. Focus on the little things
Everyday life can be hectic and overwhelming. Mindfulness makes you feel calmer and allows you to use your third eye better. Pay attention to every aspect of your environment and of your daily routine.
For example, observe your physical sensations when you take a shower. Feel the warm water touch your shoulders. Be thankful for the refreshing scent of your shampoo
Part 3 of 3: Taking advantage of your third eye
Step 1. Feel calmer
Once you've opened your third eye, you'll begin to reap more and more of the benefits that come with it. Many people feel calmer after opening their third eye. This is partly due to achieving a stronger sense of self-love. When you are more aware of yourself, you usually become nicer to yourself.
Being nicer to yourself offers many benefits. You become more confident and less anxious
Step 2. Be wiser
One of the reasons people want to open their third eye is because they want to get wiser. Because you will see the world better, you will also learn more about the world around you. People who have opened their third eye often feel that they have gained more wisdom.
You also get to know yourself better. Meditation and mindfulness are great ways to get in touch with yourself better. If you understand your emotions better, you will be able to deal with them better
Step 3. Improve your physical health
Opening your third eye usually lowers your stress level. You feel calmer and more confident. There are all kinds of physical benefits to reducing your stress level. People with less stress have lower blood pressure and are less likely to suffer from depression.
If you experience less stress, you will also suffer less from headaches and nausea. Your skin will even look younger
Tips
- Remember that opening your third eye is a process. Be patient with yourself, and appreciate the progress you are making.
- Don't be afraid to try different forms of meditation. It doesn't work the same for everyone.