I remember reading an article in "Co-Evolution Quarterly" Magazine (back in the 80's), about a technique for developing one's Night-vision. It involved a special training aparatus and technique: (something like this): take a standard baseball-cap and attach a 2-3 foot long piece of piano wire (available at hobby shops or hardware stores) to the front bill, so that it sticks out in front of the wearer, perhaps slightly above eye level. On the far end, attach a small styrofoam ball, bead, etc., about the size of a marble, or pingpong ball. The springy wire will allow the lightweight & light-colored sphere to bob gently in front of to wearers line of sight as they walk along on a trail, etc. The technique is to "keep your eye on the ball", as you stroll along learning to "see" your way along, using, and relying primarily upon your peripheral vision. With a bit of practice on relatively smooth ground, one begins to "see" in a way that is almost "unconscious"- where you begin to see the landscape ahead without focusing directly on any particular objects. After a bit of practice one can negotiate rough ground, and obstacles without missing a beat. Supposedly, this technique leads to some kind of "heightened perception", and a newfound confidence and skill in SEEING much better in low light conditions!! It allows/trains one to use the black&white spectrum of our visual capabilities. I've not yet tried this, but it allways seemed very interesting!!
I'm sure it would add a new dimension to our outdoor experiences if we could thus learn to see in the dark!! Wow!, imagine being able to portage, or paddle confidently at night, even with little or no moonlight!!! Think of all the nocturnal animal activities you could enjoy watching- without squinting and straining. Supposedly, this technique also improves one's normal daylight perceptions! You catch things in your periphery; it wides your point of attention.
Have you ever read any of the books by Carlos Castaneda? Lots of references to "shifting one's perception". HMMMMM??!!!!!!!!
Has anyone else ever heard of, or read this article too? Perhaps someone else can comment on this subject.
(This is typical of the kind of articles found in CQ- I miss that Mag. a lot!!! )--(Thanks STEWART BRAND (Editor)-Wherever you are!!!)

Posted by Guy Smith on August 13, 2000 at 01:53