Gwyneth Paltrow: Eyes-open meditation can change the world

Gwyneth Paltrow’s latest foray in the self-care industry will see her deliver guided meditation sessions to subscribers of her new app.

The Shakespeare in Love actress has announced the launch of her new app for eyes-open meditation, which she says helps her to connect to her “highest self” and has the power to change the world.

Called Moments of Space, the app is a collaboration with Kim Little, a Buddhist and software developer, that gives users access to guided meditations led by Ms Paltrow.

The app is free to download but offers a premium subscription service which costs £14.99 for three months or £29.99 for a year.

Eyes-open meditation involves meditating with one’s eyes partially or fully open, as opposed to more conventional closed-eye meditation. It often entails maintaining a gentle and relaxed gaze without focusing on any particular object.

The AI-powered app uses the method that “challenges perceived notions of silent and solemn meditative practice by allowing users to engage with the world while developing a deep connection with their inner selves,” said Ms Little.

“I relied on my eyes-open meditation to connect to my highest self, to not lapse into reactivity, to try and keep my ego out of it,” Paltrow, 51, said during a launch event for the app.

The mother-of-two said she first started to explore mindfulness in the late 90s when her late father was diagnosed with cancer and has practised morning meditation for much of her adult life.

The advantage of eyes-open meditation, as opposed to eyes-closed meditation, was that you could do it at all hours of the day, the Oscar-winning actress said. “You can literally incorporate at any time – you can be engaged with the world but still very connected to yourself.”

Beyond helping her to feel more zen, Ms Paltrow suggested eyes-open meditation might have broader benefits for society.

“We’re living in a time where there’s a lot of bifurcation and people have gone into their corners,” she said. “I believe eyes-open meditation could be potentially important for changing the world and deepening how we connect to ourselves, and others.”

Ms Paltrow’s advice to those who haven’t tried eyes-open meditation is to “start with just a couple of minutes then go from there”.