In this culture, the eyes have it. Most of the time. So what to look at while doing a saltlick? Many possibilities. Try them all and use whatever suits you best.

§ Classic meditation technique recommends either eyes closed or almost closed.

§ With eyes open, I find immersion in nature to be powerful: sitting or walking among trees. In any natural setting, as verbal mind become occupied with the words of the saltlick, the rest of your mind seems to welcome unmediated visual contact.

§ Indoors, a small plant serves nicely.

§ Color photographs, printed or on the computer, of nature scenes will do.

§ The Chinese have long used rocks as meditative focal points. When the tradition moved to Japan, the Japanese even came to refer to them as viewing stones (suiseki).

§ With no props available, use your own hand. Or focus a corner where walls and ceiling meet.

§ Remember, you don't have to be still. The saltlicks are splendid for walking or jogging, especially because the feet provide a ready rhythm for the syllables.

§ For the automotively fixated: I've found saltlicks to be especially beneficial when driving long distances.

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