Meditating can be practiced at any time that suits the person doing it. However, there are many questions about whether it’s more effective to meditate in the morning or night and whether we should practice in a dark space. So, is it better to meditate in the dark?
Benefits of meditating in the dark
There are several reasons why you may want to meditate in the dark. For obvious reasons, some of us like to fall asleep peacefully, and find themselves at most peace in a dark space where the mind is more still. There are many benefits of darkness meditation, including:
- Less distraction around you – behind the eyes/more people making noise outside, etc
- Feeling of peace in the dark
- Cozy and tranquil atmosphere that promotes healing
- Uses less electricity – and therefore highlights less need for material items
- Lack of visual stimuli invites you to focus inward
Benefits of meditating in light
While meditating in the dark is incredibly powerful, meditating in light can have a similar effect. Although there is more distraction, meditating under sunlight can allow us to become present, feel grateful for our surroundings, and invite us to become meditative in everyday situations – as we become used to peace despite distraction.
Benefits of meditating in light include:
- Energy boost – particularly great for mornings
- Different forms of light for different purposes (eg. soft pink lava lamp for healing)
- You may feel safer and more relaxed in the light
Is it better to meditate in the dark?
For many, yes. Whether it’s better to meditate in the dark is subjective and dependent on one’s mental state, but to seclude yourself in darkness is a practice that has been going on within the meditation realm for thousands of years. It is believed to be more peaceful than meditating in light.
The purpose of the meditation is also worth thinking about. For example, if you’re doing a meditation in the morning to boost energy levels, it may not be wise to meditate in darkness. However, if your goal is to find inner peace within, darkness meditation is likely to be more beneficial.
Beginners to meditation may particularly enjoy meditating in the dark because it allows them to quickly get comfortable with being in silence. Those who have meditated for years may find it easier to simply meditate despite the light and sounds going on around them, because they have built up a tolerance.
Happy meditating! I release a five to ten-minute meditation episode on Spotify and Apple Podcasts every single Monday, inviting you to bring peace and stillness ahead of a new week. You’ll feel more at peace, start to manifest your dreams, and find more alignment with your true, higher self.