Sky Gazing Practice

Welcome to this practice of Sky Gazing, an opportunity to connect with the boundless quality of the heart-mind. This practice can be done sitting or lying down, and in any weather conditions. First, we establish a connection with the ground and then start slowly opening our eyes and our heart-minds to whatever is appearing, within and without.

Ultimately, this is a practice of "allowing" and, even though we might question whether we are doing it right or wrong because of its simplicity, it can have a very strong impact on us. You can carry on with this practice for as long as it feels rewarding and, once it feels complete, take its benefits with you through your day.

Transcript

The practice of sky gazing. Sky gazing supports us to connect with the open space outside the boundaries of the physical body as a way to also connect with the open space within. Fundamentally, We are completely open, Boundless, And free. Sky gazing gives us a flavor of that boundless quality of heart-mind right here. Right now. This practice can be done anywhere, Inside or out. And in any weather. You don't necessarily need to be outside on a warm, Sunny day, Although that can also be resourcing. If you are somewhere up high, Like a rooftop or mountain, Or somewhere with lots of space, Like the seaside. Then you can do this practice sitting. Otherwise, If it's comfortable, It's best to lie down. The key is to allow your body to fully relax as much as it can, Letting your eyes soften into the space in front or above you. So take your time to establish a comfortable posture, Sitting or lying down. And getting used to opening your eyes and gazing out into the space in front or above you. And they're soft. Relaxed way. Feeling the support of the ground beneath your body. And taking a few breaths here just to allow the body to really drop into the ground. Be supported. Held you. From this folding. Opening to the infinite space in front or above. Allowing the eyes. To be fully open. To the expanse. And just noticing the effect that this has on you. What's it like? You'll probably notice things coming into your field of vision like clouds, Insects, Birds, Planes, Pollen. So the practice is simply to allow. Anything that comes into your field of vision to be there without losing your soft focus. Just like how we allow sensations, Thoughts, And emotions to float through our awareness. You might worry that you should be doing more. The practice couldn't possibly be this simple. So even thoughts like that can simply float through. Just like clouds. Just like a feather if you notice yourself getting caught up. In a set of sensations or thoughts. You can always come back to the ground beneath you. And then gently open again. To the sky. There's no getting it right or wrong. The invitation is to simply be available to all that space. Within and without. Sky gazing is a bit like getting into a warm bath. It might take a little while for your entire system to fully relax into it. One thing I find helpful is to bring a gentle attention to my heart center, Inviting it to open and soften into the space above the body. It's as if we're feeling into the space with our hearts. And sensing the effect this has on our whole being. Feel free to remain in this relaxed, Open way for as long as it feels resourcing. Noticing the effect it's having. And when you're ready. Ending the practice. And carrying the effect into the rest of your day.