Experiencing more intense visual phenomena during meditation is not uncommon, especially if you already have a tendency towards slight visual hallucinations. There are several factors that could be contributing to this:
Heightened awareness: During meditation, you may be more attuned to your sensory experiences, including visual perceptions. This heightened awareness can make you more sensitive to any visual disturbances that might already be present.
Altered states of consciousness: Meditation can lead to altered states of consciousness, where your brain activity and perceptual processing may change. This can potentially amplify existing visual perceptions or create new ones.
Relaxation and letting go: As you enter a state of deep relaxation during meditation, your mind may start to release and let go of thoughts and mental constructs. This process can sometimes trigger the emergence of visual imagery, including the blurring of outlines and colors.
Subconscious material: Meditation can bring subconscious thoughts, memories, and emotions to the surface. Visual hallucinations may be related to unresolved issues or emotions, manifesting in your perception.
Variability of meditation experiences: Meditation is a highly individual practice, and experiences can vary greatly from person to person and from one session to another.
Here are some suggestions to manage the visual hallucinations during meditation:
Acceptance: Try to acknowledge the hallucinations without judgment or attachment. Observe them as passing phenomena without getting too engrossed in them.
Refocus on the breath: Whenever you find yourself getting distracted by the hallucinations, gently bring your focus back to your breath or chosen point of meditation. This helps anchor your attention and minimizes the impact of the visual disturbances.
Shorten meditation sessions: If the intensity of hallucinations becomes overwhelming, consider shortening your meditation sessions for the time being and gradually increasing the duration as you become more comfortable.
Seek guidance: If the hallucinations persist and significantly interfere with your meditation practice or daily life, consider seeking guidance from a qualified meditation teacher or mental health professional.
Mindfulness meditation: Consider trying mindfulness meditation, which emphasizes non-judgmental awareness of your experiences, including visual perceptions. Mindfulness can help you develop a more balanced and accepting approach to these experiences.
As with any significant changes or concerns related to your meditation practice, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional or experienced meditation teacher who can provide personalized guidance and support.