Yesterday evening I was working at my computer, occasionally glancing out the window ahead and to the side of me which faces west. The setting sun caught my eye, the colors so rich I almost gasped. My computer screen forgotten, I watched as the hues deepened. I had the window open and was looking through the screen, but this was still too much of a separation from Nature to make me happy.
I leaped from my chair and ran outside to my front lawn in my bare feet, gazing overhead in awe. Wow! What a visual feast! I ran back inside to get my cell phone, hoping to take a few photos which would capture the sumptuous color. I could feel the clouds and sky appreciating me appreciating them.
It’s occurred to me before that seeing is an energy exchange, that in a way the sunset was looking at me as I looked at it. If my theory is true, it makes sense that I’ll see better and more clearly that which I enjoy looking at, which is Dr. Bates’ “optimum”. The view is looking back at me with pleasure too, which increases my own pleasure in the looking. Bates gave the name “pessimum” to that which you don’t like looking at, and so see less clearly.
Today this is still on my mind, as I look around my familiar environment wondering “If I was as delighted to look at that chair across the room as I was at the sunset last night, would it look super-clear to me?”. And then I wonder “If I looked at a new person as an interesting and friendly soul, instead of someone who is likely to criticize me, would I see her more clearly?”.
It’s not my plan to turn off my social radar, and ignore obvious cues that someone is dangerous. I do want to be more open, ready to receive all the good that wants to come my way, visual and otherwise. That sunset taught me something important. Maybe everything (and everyone) really is beautiful!
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I wore strong glasses, then contact lenses, from age 5 into my 40s. While making many mistakes, eventually l learned how to improve the way I use my eyes and to see in a more relaxed, healthy manner. It is my pleasure to coach others to do the same. Visit me at https://NancyLNeff.com.
For me, looking at landscapes on the rural side of town tends to an “optimum”. Also, when i’m playing a computer game that I enjoy, my vision tends to get better. As a result, my body begins to feel better. However, if I’m concentrated on winning, the strain begins to come back in my eyes. For some reason, looking down a highway while in a car seems to relax my nerves, and improve my vision as well. However, looking at people, being in a crowded environment, and reading a text tends to worsen my vision, and produce strain. I can feel my facial muscles tensing up.
Good awareness. It’s not about close vs. distance, it’s about how you feel when you look. Keep noticing yourself and your reactions, and maximize the time you spend doing things which make you feel good. Be curious about what stresses you out — why does this situation make me tense? Is it possible I could react another way?
Ha! I did the same thing, Nancy, when I saw the sunset yesterday! So beautiful! Great insight, as always. “See” you soon! xo
Barbara, I was almost crying it was so gorgeous. Yes, see you very soon — oh boy!