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Widening Vision

DB Exercise 1

Widening Vision
(Video Below)

This SIMPLE (pg. 13) exercise from Dynamic Balance can have a transformational effect on how you experience conflict and manage lower-level emotions (pg. 102). Maybe more importantly, with practice, your intuition will strengthen and become an active guide on your journey forward.  


This exercise has the potential to transform eyesight (physical) into vision (Spiritual); it extends to expanding one's perception and understanding of the world on emotional and psychological levels to facilitate the rise of Spiritual energy in your life.


At its core, the Widening Vision exercise involves consciously broadening your focus beyond the immediate, encouraging a holistic awareness of your surroundings. The physical act of widening your gaze mirrors the mental shift towards a more expansive and open mindset. This practice is rooted in the belief that by embracing a broader perspective, you can release tension, tap into your intuition, and deepen your understanding of yourself and your environment.


The exercise begins with a conscious effort to relax the eyes and breathe deeply. Then with relaxed eyes, you extend your arms in front of yourself and provide attention to your wiggling fingers. As you widen your arms, provide attention to when your fingers exit your peripheral vision. Take notice, too, of the floor and ceiling. Then bring your wiggling fingers back into awareness. You can even bring them right back in front of you narrowly. This indicates that there is a time for opening and a time for focused attention. A dynamic state of opening and closing provides better balance in life. Much more on this concept in the book Dynamic Balance.


This exercise supports STEP 1 on the 6-Fold Path of Transformation, Receptivity (pg. 110).

This is not just about seeing more; it's about observing without judgment or preconceived notions. This shift in focus encourages mindfulness, a state where you are fully present in the moment. With continued practice, this heightened awareness transcends the visual realm, and extends to the emotional and psychological aspects of you.


The practice of this exercise can be done in the regular course of daily life. As you move through your day focus attention to when trees, lamp posts, people exit your peripheral vision. It is an excellent exercise to do while driving, providing attention to the task at hand while simultaneously noticing activity beside and behind you through your mirrors. On a practical level, it increases road safety.


On another level, notice how you become attuned to subtle details often overlooked in the hustle of daily life. This SIMPLE exercise cultivates a heightened sensitivity to the nuances of body language, facial expressions, and the energy of an environment. This expanded awareness serves as a gateway to intuitive insights, as it allows you to pick up on subtle cues and patterns that might have eluded a more narrowed perspective. It challenges the constraints of tunnel vision thinking, fostering a more inclusive and interconnected worldview.


By observing the external world with a broadened gaze, you also increase your capacity to turn your attention inward, exploring your own thoughts and emotions. This exercise paired with the PAUSE exercise (pg. 60, Dynamic Balance), is a catalyst to transforming habitual ‘reactions’ to transformational ‘responses’ (pg. 61 Dynamic Balance).  


The beauty of the Widening Vision exercise lies in its simplicity and accessibility. It can be practiced anywhere, at any time, requiring only a conscious effort to shift focus. Consistency is key, as the true benefits unfold with regular practice. As you practice in widening vision, notice if you find yourself more in tune with your intuition, navigating life with a heightened sense of awareness and a profound connection to the world around you.




Your Instructor

Brad Hutchinson

Brad Hutchinson

Brad Hutchinson has been teaching Shaolin Kung Fu for over twenty-years.

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