Nightwalking: exploring the dark with peripheral vision - includes tips on nightwalking

Whole Earth Review, Fall, 1991 by Nelson Zink, Stephen Parks

By the third session everyone could run over the rocks and gravel in dry stream beds in the dark using only secand sight. By the fourth session members of the group could take the lead and find their way unerringly on the darkest of dark nights. After twelve hours of practice, virtually everyone in the group could enter secand sight at will, which had taken us about a year to figure out and master.

After the training we queried participants about the lasting effects of the experience. Most of them reported shifts in their worldly perception and daily lives. Several commented on their increased ability to quiet "brain chatter." Virtually all walkers said their awareness of the world around them was broadened, and they were less "stuck" in their heads. As someone in a later group aptly pointed out: "This is really about convergence. It's about taking a whole bunch of things that are semi-clear and converging them into a single crystalline vision."

TIPS ON NIGHTWALKING

For people living outdoors, peripheral vision is critical for staying alive. it may be time to rediscover it. Here are a few tips. Fix yourself a modified cap and adjust it so the rod tip is directly in line with your nose at eye level. Focus on the tip as you walk around your house. Then try walking around the yard. Avoid places where there may be traffic or drop-offs. In the beginning your vision will seem blurred. Pay attention to the total field of vision, far to the sides and up and down. Slowly you'll be able to perceive a fairly clear field of vision with only the center (cone vision) blurred, doubled in fact. As your field of vision begins to clear take it as an indication that you're switching over to secand sight.

Later you can begin to examine elements in your field of vision by simply moving your attention to them. Notice that we say attention, not eyes. Your eyes should remain constantly on the tip of the rod. This is really what secand sight is about, using just peripheral vision and the mind to gather and process visual information. The first part will take about three hours, the secand about the some length of time. By keeping your eyes focused on the rod tip while walking, you will eventually break two strong visual habits - relying only on cone vision andi moving the eyes to new points of interest. Find a place to walk in the dark which is out of the range of artificial lights. Pick a night with little or no moon; take a friend.

Because of the rods' extreme sensitivity to light, you may see unusual light phenomena. Some of this is imaginary, caused by "overcharging" of unused optic nerves, the rest results from natural or bioluminescence. Over time Nightwalking sensitizes the eye and brain, so some of what you see may surprise you. We've become aware of light-emitting bacteria in rotting logs and along the veins of certain plants. Fireflies seem like strobe lights. Glow worms are blinding. A quarter moon rising on a clear night con bring tears to your eyes with its brightness. We'd love to hear of your experience.