To see the light

Many of us that train in the protection arts train long and hard to accomplish our peak physical, mental and spiritual edge.

But often we ignore or do not understand how much we are still missing, or what more is possible. We train in beautiful gyms and training halls, wearing modern athletic wear... that moves us further and further from the reality we may need.

We also miss what can be perceived on the inside.

Humans rely too heavily on light and sight for our balance and actions. Light also gives us depth perception and special judgement that enables our physical movement and cognitive thought.

So how does the body work in low to no light conditions?

Well in some areas it stimulates good changes while in others it creates difficulties. Our eyes focus as example, changes from focused to peripheral sight mode. Instead of looking at an object or horizon, the pupils dilate to not only take in more light, but also a wider field to sense motion. This is a crucial training tool to train against the tunnel vision, as the peripheral sight becomes easier to utilize and as such combats the tendency toward more focused sight.

2. Other Benefits

As you train in the dark your other senses like hearing, smell and sensory nerves become more alert and function at higher levels. If you do not work with these you do not realize how much more capability you have and can employ.

We can all appreciate a pet that hears what we do not as they are more balanced in their use of all senses. Humans are too sight oriented and therefore miss so much more.

Balance is improved as are body extensions, for those that try training in the dark for the first time become instantly aware of this oddity. I call it odd as you would think that just a simple kick or punch as example would be easy in a no light situation. Yet balance and apprehension severely restricts the action as well as the speed and power of each limb.

However once we can surpass this mental block, we achieve a greater level of skill even in a lighted environment. It has to do with your innate "fine muscle actions", that under stress become restricted. The apprehension of safe depth perception that is removed in unlighted environments, gives enough stress to enable this survival function. (Basically the blood flow is diverted to major muscles for the fight or flight response).

Enhance you art

Yoga, Dance, Martial Art or any physically expressive art can benefit in this time of training.

As we delve deeper into our inner perception and understanding without the external distraction.

But like everything, start slow and carefully as you should with anything totally new or dynamically different from your status quo.
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Good Health – Evan Pantazi #Kyusho

Image Credit: pichost, andhakara