Capitalizing on peripheral vision

[P95Carry]

Was again today, whilst sitting eating out - trying to excercize and practice better use of peripheral vision. I have done this a long time now.

It has long struck me that we often under-use this facility .. and whilst my old eyes are not as good as once - fortunately my peripheral seems every bit up to scratch.

I find that concentration on what is in that field of view (often close to 90º to side) ... enables me to collect a lot of useful info. Movement of course is the one thing that peripheral does well ... but with practice it does seem that extra info can be gleaned .. for instance ... whether a human form is male/female ... size and weight etc. .... and what they are doing.

I expect most people use their peripheral vision automatically and unconsciously .. but I have found that practiced conscious attention to what is seen can and does yield even more than might first be thought. Coupled with that too is using full movement of eyes to sides to reduce head turning activity.

 

[Lictalon]

I believe a friend (much into the martial arts) called this "soft eyes."

I don't believe all that he tells me, but according to him, it's faster to react to actions that are scene through peripheal vision than dead on.

*shrug* Can't hurt, will probably help.

 

[SapperLeader]

I beleive that peripheral vision seems to kick in reflex reactions more than things in the primary zone of your vision. Im trying to remember which biology book or source I saw that in, it might be worth looking into.

 

[DakotaSig]

Yeah, I think peripheral vision is a pretty important skill too. I find that I tend exclusively to use central vision unless I make an effort to be aware of peripheral vision.

I came across this site:NightWalking
It gives a good explanation of the physiology of peripheral vision. It also has some really good training methods to enhance your peripheral vision. The focus of the site is on controlling altered mental states, but the vision techniques could be used in most any context.

 

[P95Carry]

Dakota ...... interesting site ... thx for link.

 

[TonyB]

I always try to sit facing the doors if possible(my wife thinks it's a Sicillian thing)It's actually a Buffalo Bill thing....if he was facing that door he'd be alive today (he'd be 150yrs old though)......My wife thinks I'm not paying attention to her when I scan the room during dinner.........I'd hate to be killed while listening to a story about the laundry.......

 

[V-fib]

If you’re a stand hunter (deer/turkey) this is an excellent time to practice using your peripheral vision. On occasion I’ve had deer approach from the back and sides and in conjunction with hearing have been able to gauge their movement into my field of view without turning my head and spooking them.

 

[Ryder]

Periphial vision has saved me more times than I can count. You want to make it second nature? Get yourself a motorcycle

 

[artherd]

Movement in the periphery can bypass some of the visual cortex, and directly activate certin levels of reflexual centers of the brain.

If you have those reflexes well trained to do what you want, I could easially see the usefulness in a martial-arts type of situation. (or many others for that matter.)



I often use the peripheral vision deliberately, just to see when and how well I can gauge things.

Know what we call those kinds of people who always sit watching the exits and such?

"That old man!"

 

[Bob F.]

"That old man"

My uncle always said "there's old pilots, and there's bold pilots; but there's no old bold pilots!"

Guess that's how the man got old, huh?

Interesting thread

Stay safe.
Bob

 

[carpettbaggerr]

.I'd hate to be killed while listening to a story about the laundry.......

That's usually when I start hoping to be killed......

 

[aroshi]

I've often found value in advanced uses of hearing and periphery. I'm the type who sits where he can see the entrance. But I'm often in situations where I have a large field behind me (like restaurants, bars, and clubs), unavailable to scan frequently without looking obviously paranoid. Hearing and periphery work there very well.

I like playing games in my head... even during conversations with people. Note who is wearing what without looking, and try to figure out where they sat, or moved to without watching. I'm surprised when I do turn around or stand up, to find everything where I had expected it.

Then add to that listening (not the words, but the attitudes) to people around you in just such settings. Then when you look, you can expect the looks on their faces and their body language to match what you'd expected.

It's a fun game, and it's interesting to play with others, too. You can ask them questions about things going on behind them and see what they can pick up, et vice versa.