Soft Eyes

“In the Japanese art of Aikido there is a practice called “soft eyes”—it means to widen one’s periphery to take in more of the world. If a stimulus is introduced to an unprepared person, his eyes narrow and the flight/ fight response takes over. If the same unexpected stimulus comes to someone with “soft eyes,” the natural reflex is transcended and a more authentic response takes its place—such as thinking a new thought.”

— Grateful: The Subversive Practice of Giving Thanks by Diana Butler Bass
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