Eye gazing is the act of looking into someones eyes for an extended amount of time. Its a powerful, intimate practice that can help you become closer to another person.

After all, eyes are the most expressive facial features. They can communicate a range of social cues and emotions, which can influence your social interactions.

Its no wonder eye contact is so impactful. It can trigger a personal connection, even if it lasts for only a few seconds.

Eye gazing takes it one step further: Its beneficial for fostering even deeper connections. Read on to learn about the science behind eye gazing, along with how to do it.

On a psychological level, prolonged eye contact can benefit your social relationships. Heres how:

Theres a reason why people say the eyes are the window to the soul.

Your eyes are a powerful representation of your emotions. In fact, a 2017 study suggests that humans determine how others are feeling by analyzing their eyes.

Eye gazing also creates an opportunity for emotional connection.

In a 2013 study of fifteen people, researchers found that direct gazing increased activity in the amygdala. This is the part of your brain involved in processing facial cues and peoples emotions.

Although the available research is old, theres some evidence that long eye contact can increase intimacy.

In a pair of studies from 1989, strangers who looked into each others eyes for 2 minutes experienced mutual feelings of love. A 2003 study found that the longer someone started at a face, the more they became attracted to it.

Additionally, in a 2009 study of 32 males, participants perceived female faces with a direct gaze as more attractive than those with an averted gaze.

Many people consider eye contact to be a sign of trustworthiness. On the other hand, not looking someone in the eye is often associated with lying.

If you want to build trust with another person, try eye gazing. According to a 2016 study, people are more likely to believe a person whos looking straight at them. This may be enhanced by continuously making eye contact.

Since eye gazing facilitates emotional bonding, it may also nurture a deeper connection.

A 2017 study of 35 university students determined that direct gazing is associated with whats known as self-other merging. This means it reduces the boundaries between self and other, creating a feeling of oneness and connection.

Tantra is an ancient philosophy based on Hinduism and Buddhism. Its origins are unknown, but some experts believe it was created between 3,000 and 5,000 years ago in India.

The practice is about achieving spiritual enlightenment. This may be done through meditation, mantras, and rituals, including yoga and sex. The purpose is to connect with your own energy on a deeper level.

In the late 1900s, tantra became popular in America and Europe. However, it was interpreted as a sex practice rather than a whole-life approach. The practice is known as tantric sex and involves techniques meant to enhance the spiritual aspect of sex.

Tantric eye gazing is one technique. During the exercise, you look deeply into your partners eyes to foster a spiritual and sexual connection.

There are many ways to do eye gazing. Heres one method:

The goal of this exercise is to connect your energies without speaking.

For some, eye gazing might feel uncomfortable at first. If so, start with a shorter session. Practice eye gazing for 30 seconds, then increase your session over time. Most tantric practitioners recommended eye gazing for 10 to 20 minutes.

Although eye gazing is a common tantric technique, its exact origins are unclear. If it was part of the original teachings, it may be thousands of years old.

As a tantric sex exercise, eye gazing may have a shorter history. The sexual interpretation of tantra became popular in the 1960s, when books were published on the topic. The books covered many tantric techniques, which may have included eye gazing.

If youd like to deepen your bond with another person, try eye gazing. It involves staring into each others eyes for an extended amount of time. The practice can increase trust and intimacy, plus help you understand each others emotions.

To start, try eye gazing with your partner for 30 seconds. Keep your gaze soft and relaxed. As you become more comfortable with the practice, you can increase your sessions to 10 to 20 minutes.

Read more from the original source:

Eye Gazing Exercise: Possible Benefits and How to Try It - Healthline