Ease anxiety with the Tibetan sky gazing meditation

Let's face it, these are stressful times. The economy isn't doing very well, the novel coronavirus is wreaking havoc on our health care system, and work is still work—if you still have a job, anyway.

If you're feeling the pressure from today's anxiety driven news, or you simply want to relax, you can ease your anxiety in 10 minutes or less with a form of meditation known as Tibetan Sky Gazing. In fact, now may be the best time in your life to experience the wonder of this form of meditation, due to the clear skies from reduced air pollution.

To perform this type of meditation, simply go outside, tilt your head up, and look at the sky. Soften your gaze so that you can take in the wideness and vastness of the sky. Look at the stars if it is night, the vastness of the blue sky if it is day, or the details of a moody sky if it happens to be rainy.

As you are looking at the sky, silently say to yourself the, “Aaaah” sound. According to meditation expert Dean Sluyter, it is the most open sound you can make and will help you get the most out of the experience.

After a few moments, you can let your attention wander if you like. Sit for a few minutes in quiet contemplation, and simply be. By the time you have finished your meditation, you will feel less anxious, and ready to get back to the world we have come to know.

This is a great meditation because it gets you outside, and is simple to do. It is a simple, concrete form of meditation that can help you relax, and it can be done in your office parking lot or your backyard. The next time you feel stressed, give it a try.