While most mindfulness meditations involve closing the eyes, this doesn’t have to be the only option. Many meditators find that meditating with their eyes open may be more helpful for them, especially those who have trouble staying awake or falling asleep during meditation.

In fact, a number of traditions throughout the world recommend meditating with your eyes open—for example, Zen Buddhism and many forms of concentration meditation require you to look at a point in space (like a blank wall or a flickering candle) during your session. The benefits of meditating with your eyes open include the ability to stay alert and focused, as well as being more familiar with the environment around you.

The most important thing is to find an object or focus that you can meditate with. For those who are just starting out, it can be helpful to start by finding a photo, drawing or image that you can gaze at for the duration of your session. Once you have found something that works for you, you can gradually increase the length of your meditation sessions. It can also help to set a timer, which can help reduce distractions and keep you from drifting off during your meditation.

In addition to focusing on the object or scene you are meditating with, it’s important to keep in mind that you can use meditation as an opportunity to practice letting go of your thoughts and emotions. For this reason, meditation can be a great way to manage stress and anxiety.