The Relationship Between Eyesight and Consciousness

[Guest guest]

Vision as a Metaphor:

The Relationship Between Eyesight and Consciousness

 

By Martin Brofman, Ph.D.

 

Why are our eyes called the windows to our souls? Why do we speak of the way

that we " see " the world? Why do we say, " I see " , in order to communicate

that we understand? What is the understanding? What is the relationship

between our vision, our eyesight, and our way of Being?

 

Eyesight is not just a physical process involving acuity. It is a

multi-dimensional function affecting and affected by our emotional and

mental state of Being, and is also linked to our personalities. That is,

each type of vision impairment correlates with specific personality types.

All of us who are nearsighted, farsighted, or have astigmatism share a

particular character trait with others of the same impairment, and are

working on similar issues in our lives.

 

Some say that stress is responsible for all emotional and physical

imbalances. Stress reflects how we interact with our environment in a way

that is not " at ease, " and is stored in the physical body in a number of

ways, including tension in particular muscles. In other words, where we feel

the tension is related to why we feel the tension.

 

In the case of vision, different visual disorders have been identified with

excessive tension in particular extra-ocular muscles (the muscles

surrounding the eyeballs), and with particular emotional patterns. To

understand this process, let us look at how it works.

 

Surrounding each eyeball are six eye muscles which are used to move our

eyeballs in different directions. For some time it was thought that this was

their only function. Then it was discovered that these muscles are about one

hundred times more powerful than they need to be to accomplish this. Since

structure and function are related in the human body, it seemed evident that

these muscles must have another function. They do.

 

The extra-ocular muscles also serve as part of the focusing mechanism for

our eyesight, along with the lens. They cause the eyeballs to elongate or

shorten, depending on what we are looking at, and what we are thinking or

feeling. In this way, the eye operates more like a bellows camera, with

variable focus, than a box camera with a fixed focal length.

 

Four muscles pull each eyeball straight back into the eye socket, shortening

the eyeball. Excessive tension on these muscles, called the Rectus muscles,

creates a condition of farsightedness, and is experienced emotionally as

tension in the consciousness. It may be experienced as suppressed anger, or

anger at ourselves (guilt), or a feeling that, in some way, we are not as

important as other Beings.

 

Two muscles around each eyeball, the Oblique muscles, circle the eye like a

belt. When these muscles are tightened, they squeeze the eyeball, and it

elongates. Excessive tension on these muscles is related to nearsightedness

and is experienced in consciousness as hiding within ourselves because of

feeling apprehension, fear or threatened; that it is not safe to be

ourselves.

 

Uneven tensions on different muscles can create a condition of astigmatism,

a distortion of vision, by squeezing the eyeball unevenly in different

directions so that the eyeball is pulled out of roundness. This is

experienced as a sense of being lost, as having uncertainty or confusion

about our values, what we really want and/or what we really feel. Values

from the " outside " have been included " inside " , in a way that is not

natural, organic, or real for our true personality. The stress of this

situation is experienced in our consciousness as well as in the eye muscles.

 

Impaired vision comes about at a time in our lives when we are experiencing

stress in relation to our environment, and we do not see clearly at that

time, both literally and figuratively. When this goes on for an extended

period of time or to extreme intensity, the eye muscles, which hold these

tensions, may become temporarily " frozen " , holding the eyeball in an

out-of-focus condition. Since the tensions in these muscles correspond with

tensions in our consciousness, this also holds us in a particular state of

being. These eye muscles can, however, be relaxed and clear vision restored

using relaxation techniques and Hatha Yoga eye exercises (similar to what

optometrists call " motility training " ).

 

Approaches to vision improvement that have not considered the aspect of

personality change have had only limited success. In cases where vision has

been restored, the person involved has been through a transformative process

and has, in fact, dropped a role and become another Being, seeing the world

through the eyes of the true self. The degree and rapidity of improvement

have been connected with the willingness on our part to accept the changes

and the new personality, or rather, to become who we really are.

 

When the proper " tone " is restored to the eye muscles, the eyeballs are able

to resume their natural shape, and clear vision can return. Tensions are

released in our body and consciousness as well, and there is a return to an

easier, clearer, more natural way of being, individual to each of us.

 

Since vision is a metaphor for the way we see the world, and since each type

of vision impairment corresponds to a particular personality type, any

change in our personality will be reflected in changes in our outer vision.

Our " new " Being will have the same Essence of Being, yet with a different

way of interacting with the environment, a different " dance " without the

excessive tension. It will seem as though we have awakened from a very real

dream, and things will make sense in a different way. A perceptual filter

will have been removed and truer values will become evident. Our " new " Being

may even have different tastes in food and/or clothing, and different

personal habits, yet will feel truer to the self; it will be a welcome

transformation.

 

If we imagine that a bubble of energy - our perceptual filters - surrounds

us, we can see some metaphors. The flow of energy between the inside and the

outside of the bubble can be changed, as can the nature of the bubble

itself, which is in fact the perceptual " filter " through which we perceive

our environment. A " stuck " filter predisposes us to particular patterns of

interacting and perceiving. It is like a selective lens only allowing the

basic beliefs we have chosen or accepted to be perceived, and ignoring or

discounting all other possibilities. Since we act on the basis of the

information that gets through to us, we are then predisposed to responding

to our environment in a fixed way. The selectivity of the lens is not the

problem though the distorting emotional filter is what must be released.

 

When we are clear and centered, the bubble is clear, and so are our

interactions. When we are in the middle of a strong emotion, we are not

centered, and our perceptions change. Situations look different, and we

respond differently. The bubble is distorted with the emotional currents.

When the strong emotions of anger, fear, confusion, etc., are suppressed,

the bubble is also distorted, but is not recognized. We have identified with

the distorted view and believe that it represents truth and who we really

are. In fact, it is not who we are, but just who we seem to be when

functioning with the distortion. We can release the distorting aspect of the

lens, and of our perceptions, and return to our true clear selves.

 

Those of us who are nearsighted see what is close up easier than what is far

away. We are more focused or preoccupied with the inside of the bubble and

less aware of what is outside the bubble. Energy is moving inward,

contracting toward the inside, away from the outside. What we want or feel

is experienced as being more important than what others want or feel. Our

orientation is toward our " Self " - sometimes to excess. " I " is considered

more important in some way than " YOU, " and from the individual's point of

view, " WE " does not seem to include " YOU " as an equal consideration. An

exceptional need for privacy may be experienced as a withdrawal from the

world around them, a sense of being intimidated by their environment and a

need for a hiding place inside. The focus of thinking is forward, with fear

or uncertainty as the emotional experience of that view. This preoccupation

often keeps us from being totally present, in the here and now. The degree

to which this is experienced is, of course, a matter of individual balance,

and related to the degree of nearsightedness. Naturally, there may also be

different compensations such as aggression to minimize the intimidation, or

a forced extraversion to disguise the hiding within, but we are talking

about the basis behind these outer actions.

 

We can direct the energy outward by learning to see ourselves as others see

us. We will have not only the view from the inside looking out, but also the

outside looking in. This will give us the opportunity to see things from

another point of view, and with the additional information thus gained, use

it to optimize our interactions. It isn't necessary to agree with the other

person's perceptions of ourselves, but his or her perception is just as

important as our own. In fact, the other person's perceptions might be very

useful to know about.

 

The idea is to not feel threatened or intimidated by the environment in

which we find ourselves, but rather to focus more and more on being

ourselves and trusting that by being true to our nature and doing what we

want, wonderful things always will happen. The process is important for all

of us to recognize. It is important for our individual self and for those

around us that might benefit from our discovery.

 

From the nearsighted person's point of view, " WE " can really include " YOU "

as equal to " I, " and " YOU " can be seen as another " I, " with just as much

importance.

 

With farsightedness, what is further away is seen more clearly than what is

close. Those of us who are farsighted are more focused on what is outside

the bubble and less focused on what is inside. Energy is moving outward,

expanding away from what is inside. Things must be held away to be seen

clearly and comfortably. What others want or feel is experienced as more

important than our own wants or feelings. Our orientation is toward others,

away from ourselves, sometimes to excess. In this instance, " YOU " is

considered more important than " I, " and from our point of view " WE " does not

seem to include " I " as an equal consideration.

 

While a nearsighted person retreats inward readily and easily, farsighted

people have difficulty doing so, since their attention continues to be

directed outward. They experience more interest in other people's lives, and

avoid looking at their own. Their outer image is emphasized; they identify

with it more and, thus, it gains more importance than their truer selves.

There may be outer compensatory behavior as well, such as exaggerated

saintliness to hide the guilt of denying own true selves, or extreme

kindliness to cover the anger, so as not to offend others. Their sense of

anger and regret, which is based on the actions of the past, is suppressed

so as not to offend others. Being preoccupied with the past, and a sense of

not having done the right thing, keeps them fro being totally present in the

now. Again, the degree of farsightedness is very much a matter of individual

balance.

 

We can direct the energy more inward by giving ourselves the same

consideration we give others. The idea is not to stop considering others,

but also to equally consider ourselves. There can be a conscious process of

allowing ourselves to receive what we want without guilt, not to take but to

receive and to express wants and feelings and give ourselves what we want.

When receiving from someone else, we don't have to feel we need to

reciprocate, or to deny, but just to say, " Thank you, " and accept

unconditionally not only things but also ideas. We should pay attention to

the ways we have been holding things, ideas, or people away from ourselves

and allow them to exist closer to our inner selves. We can also focus more

on who we really are, in addition to the image we project. Image is

important, but our Essence must not be overlooked. Outer appearance is not

more important than our true sentiment, and keep in mind that people

appreciate our honest feelings. From the farsighted person's point of view,

" WE " can include " I " as equal to " YOU, " and " I " can be seen as another

" YOU, " as well as separate and important in its own right.

 

With astigmatism, the bubble is distorted, and uncertainty of wants or

feelings is experienced, depending on whether the right eye, or the left

eye, or both, is affected.

 

Metaphysically, the right eye (the Will Eye) represents seeing clearly what

we want, and the left eye (the Spirit Eye) represents seeing clearly what we

feel. For those of us that are left-handed, the traits are reversed. In a

given situation, one of us with astigmatism wants or feels what is true but

considers the feeling or action inappropriate and changes it, then believes

the pretend change, no longer seeing clearly what was really wanted or felt.

The focus is more on what " should " be wanted or felt, rather than what is

real and as a result we have a sense of confusion about who we really are.

Who would we be if we stopped pretending to be who we are not?

 

Combinations of visual disorders are related to combinations of the

qualities that have been mentioned. Astigmatism may be experienced in

combination with either nearsightedness or farsightedness. Naturally, we may

experience these qualities without the visual disorders, but for those of us

with impaired vision, the aforementioned traits are particularly strong.

 

Nearsightedness means seeing more clearly what is close. Farsightedness

means seeing more clearly what is far. While in some rare cases one eye may

be nearsighted and the other farsighted, both conditions may not exist

within the same eye. When a person sees neither near nor far, the condition

is one of rigidity of the accommodation mechanism, reflecting rigidity of

consciousness. Relaxation techniques and eye exercises can restore

flexibility. As a result, the individual will also notice greater

flexibility in their mental process.

 

Astigmatics can ask themselves during the day, " What do I really want now?

What do I really feel now? What's true for me? What's real for me? If I stop

wanting to be what I'm not, who would I be? If I stop living up to other

people's standards, who would I be? If I stop pretending to be the person

I've been playing, what would I be doing differently? " The feeling may

involve the fear that their true self would not be accepted in the

environment. But they need to find out whether this feeling is real or not

by setting the role, and being themselves. They will either discover that

the feeling is a misperception, and the role is unnecessary, or that the

feeling was real, in which case they then can migrate to an environment in

which they can be themselves and be accepted. Either way, the effect would

be a greater sense of ease in being who they are.

 

We are Beings of energy, and energy is directed by our consciousness.

Ultimately, we have the capability of choosing the direction of the flow of

energy depending on the situation; choosing not to be directed by past

patterns of actions or perceptions, but rather changing those perceptions

which we know to be less than accurate or optimal, with a willingness to see

things as they are, rather than through a distorting filter.

 

Since vision is a metaphor for the way we see the world, and is related to

our personality, once the experiences that relate to our impaired vision are

identified, they can be released, and clear vision can be restored. Rather

than being at the effect of perceptions we know to be distortions, we can

decide to be at the cause, to consciously align with and choose those

perceptions we know to be really true for us, and which will be more

successful for us in our interactions, more in keeping with who we really

are.

 

Affirmations you can use (Choose one each day and repeat it to yourself that

day. From time to time, read the list to yourself):

 

1. My vision is improving now.

2. I choose clarity.

3. I know what clarity is, and I experience it more and more each day.

4. I remember clarity, and I am returning to clarity.

5. I notice that I see more clearly every day.

6. I know I can see clearly now.

7. I know that my experiences lead me to clear vision.

8. I accept new ways of thinking and seeing which are clearer for me.

9. Acceptance and love lead to clarity.

10. I accept what I see, and I see more clearly.

11. It's easier and easier to see clearly.

12. I'm letting myself be real, and watching my vision clear.

13. It's more and more comfortable to be myself, and see clearly.

14. My mind is reaching out and bringing to my awareness any information I

need to experience clear vision.

15. I can have clear vision today. I can see clearly today.

16. Every day, in every way, I'm getting better and better.

17. I see more clearly when I'm relaxed and centered.

18. I see clearly when I am here now.

19. Clarity exists here and now.

20. Clarity is my natural state.

21. Clarity is what is true for me.

22. I enjoy seeing clearly.

23. I see that everything is working perfectly.

24. I love when I see clearly.

25. Clarity is freedom, and being real.

26. I see more clearly now.

27. I see more clearly than I did before.

28. Today I choose to see the love.

29. When I do what I really want to do, something wonderful always happens.

30. I trust being real, and I see clearly.

31. I see clarity coming.

32. I can notice clear vision today.

33. As I clear my life, my vision clears.

34. My vision is clearing now.

35. I am free!

36. My vision continues to clear as I adjust to my new state of

consciousness.

37. Instead of problems, I see solutions. I see the way thing can work.

38. Clearing my vision is easier than I thought.

39. I know I can see clearly without eyeglasses.

40. I agree with these statements.

41. Affirmations always work!

 

© Copyright Martin Brofman 1990