We have two distinct ways of seeing the world that have anatomical origins. In the eyeball we have cones and rods. The cones are used when we narrow focus on something. Reading, writing, cooking, watching videos, etc. all require us to use our cones. By contrast, we use rods for open focus. It’s also known as peripheral vision. Our eyes have the capacity to see clearly what is in front of us and is simultaneously monitoring all that is going on around us. Metaphorically, we use these two ways of attending to describe our states of consciousness. Our left hemisphere is associated with attending to parts. We separate out things from the whole. The right hemisphere is associated with the Gestalt, everything being taken in all at once.
This exercise is called “Soft Eyes”. Again, very simple, yet powerful to train your brain to develop your right hemisphere. As you read this, open your focus to include your peripheral vision. You can see these letters and words, but you are also aware of all that is around you. Keep expanding your peripheral vision. Think “soft eyes”. You can see the typing but you no longer register (read) them. You’ve entered the hemisphere of no words, only direct experience. Now, look around the room being stationary. Next, get up and walk around (ideally being embodied and moving gracefully at the same time).
Stay with soft eyes long enough and your experience will shift. A new awareness will slowly enter your consciousness. You’ll being see the world differently, as if it were the first time you have ever seen it. You are attempting to see your surroundings without words – seeing it without any categorizing or labeling. Let go of all predetermined judgments. If you hang out with soft eyes long enough, you will understand that life is never static. Life is a process, always changing. Your cones are interested in isolating things. It sees the world as parts that can be used. Parts can be organized, categorized, and put back together to make them useful. Rods help our right hemisphere see how everything is connected. There are no parts. This method of seeing was used by Goethe as a means of conducting science. He was one of a small number of thinkers who taught themselves how to intuit knowledge.
The more often you practice this, the deeper and broader you will engage your right hemisphere. Your right hemisphere obtains permission to balance the power of your left. Your goal, as always, is to have your right hemisphere be the master and your left hemisphere your emissary.