Mindfulness Based Inner RePatterning™: The Importance of the Eyes
The third step of creating the Mindfulness Based Inner RePatterning™ Safe Zone/ Place involves accessing peripheral/ soft vision. Why is this important?
The Eyes and the Nervous System
Our eyes are directly connected to the nervous system. When we perceive ourselves to be in danger, the focus of the eyes naturally changes into foveal vision. It is a highly focused vision state. Foveal vision is important because if there is a genuine threat to our survival, it allows us to see clearly the details of the threat. With this information, we can then take the appropriate action to deal with it. Seeing clearly the detail of a threat could save our life. While we are in this state, the body’s regeneration and repair activities stop. We divert all of our energy to the perceived impending threat.
Regeneration of the Mind/ Body
When the mind/ body is in a relaxed state, we are in peripheral vision. This is an expanded state of vision in which we have an awareness of everything around us. When we access peripheral vision, the mind naturally becomes still and quiet.
We switch out off the fight, flight or freeze response. In this state, we repair and regenerate the mind/ body.
According to Deepak Chopra, leading edge author and medical endocrinologist we have a new skin every thirty days, a new stomach lining every five days, a new bladder every forty-nine days, in fact, our whole body is continually regenerating.
Nervous System in Balance
In healthy functioning, we should naturally flow between these two states. Both states are crucial to the healthy functioning of the mind/ body system. However, when we go out of balance, we stop naturally flowing between the two.
We can get locked into a state in which we are in a fight, flight or freeze response. In this state, we operate as if we are in a constant state of threat. Our eyes tend to be in foveal vision.
Turning Off Fight, Flight or Freeze Response
Switching the vision state from foveal to peripheral can naturally turn off the fight, flight or freeze state. Softening the muscles and accessing peripheral vision releases endorphins, the body’s natural “feel-good” hormones, this can be intensified by bringing a “smile” to the muscles.
Peripheral Vision and Enhanced Learning
Peripheral vision is taught in NLP (Neuro-linguistic programming) as a technique to enhance and speed up learning. It is also used as part of the approach in accelerated, speed reading programs.
Mindfulness Based Inner RePatterning™ and the Eyes
Even without tapping on the thymus point and bringing our attention to the breathing, going into peripheral, soft vision can have a powerful effect on mind/ body system. Combined with the tapping and focus on the breathing Mindfulness Based Inner RePatterning™ maximizes the potential for bringing a person back into balance. Into a state in which they can safely release the “issues” that they carry.
Exercise – Releasing Endorphins Using the Eyes
Give yourself five minutes to begin to master how to access peripheral vision. Ideally find a place you can look off into the far distance. Then choose something to focus on in the distance, ideally that is just above the horizontal. As you focus on that spot, soften the eyes, release tension from them and just allow your awareness to widen out to whatever is at the sides of you. Expand your vision in the peripheral areas. There should be no strain or stress in the eyes while you are doing this; it is more about relaxing them. Always remember to breathe as you do this as it helps you relax.
As you draw your awareness to the peripheral, continue to soften the eyes until you feel good. Feeling good is an indicator that you are doing this exercise correctly.
