Meditation - eyes open or closed

[Reaper]

I've found that the way I've arranged the objects on my altar creates a powerful optical illusion in the right lighting. There is a ceramic plate sitting in the center of it, and the way the candles are positioned the light reflects off of this plate in a very interesting way that makes the immediate area seem to flicker in and out of existence. Combined with the incense smoke it becomes otherworldly indeed. I find that staring into the center of the plate in this environment aids in clearing my mind during meditation. I am also fond of staring into a candle's flame while meditating, though I often close my eyes as well because it seems "quieter".