Soul gazing is a powerful alternative form of meditation, like breath meditation. It is a deep and personal act that brings you into union with self and others on a physical, emotional and spiritual level. It can happen between partners, friends, or even strangers. Soul Gazing can be done in two ways. Firstly with our focus fixed on the breath and eyes closed, and secondly with fixed attention on another person's eyes. Similar to breath meditation practice letting thoughts and feelings come and go, paying attention to when your focus strays and gently bringing it back.
How to Practice Soul Gazing
1 Sit quietly in a chair or cross legged in Sukhasana, facing another person approximately 0.5 metres apart.
2. Give each other a heartfelt greeting. This little ritual of bowing towards each other with hands in prayer helps us acknowledge that we are entering a special time.
3. Close your eyes with back straight.
4. Take a deep breath and let it out. There is no moving around or fidgeting, simple focus on the breath and the space around you.
5. Take a moment to notice what you are feeling. Pay attention to your chest and heart. Examine your mental condition. Are you preoccupied with ideas regarding your to-do list or the day? Take a few gentle breaths, focusing only on your breath. Are you at ease right now? Joyful? Uneasy? If you feel uncomfortable, simply acknowledge this and continue. Observe any mental dialogue or images that is ongoing. Return your attention to your breath.
6. Continue this exercise for as long as you like, the longer the better.
7. Next, face your partner with eyes open. Gaze into their eyes without looking away, fidgeting or moving. Allow your peripheral vision to soften. Allow your eyes to attract energy and love. Allow yourself to receive. Continue this exercise for a long as you can and build up over time to at least 40 minutes.
8. Take note of your feelings and any uncomfortable sensations, but do not be distracted by them. Continue to focus on your partner’s eyes. Keep your gaze still. The stillness of your gaze helps quiet your mind. Observe how the mind calms and the ego releases its hold on you. You become a centred witness and stop identifying so deeply with your body, mind, and thoughts. Give your partner permission to be precisely who they are in this time. Usually, we project energy into the world through our eyes and analyse it. Allow a merging—an integration—between seeing, thinking, breathing, and being. Allow a feeling of devotion and reverence to be present.
9. End with a second heart salutation and the words “I honour you as an aspect of myself.”
We don't usually engage in soul gazing with others in our daily lives. Gazing directly into someone's eyes seems impolite, embarrassing and a little silly. Consequently, soul gazing can feel intrusive, uncomfortable and even threatening at first.
Souls gazing seems to satisfy a deeper inner craving that we all have and builds resilience and courage to face life. We yearn to feel connected and we desire to be present. By Soul Gazing, one can access a connection with the present moment, get into better communication with self and others and begin to feel more empowered.