My Blind Exercise

My Blind Exercise

I decided to start my blind experiment during the Nightly News with Diane Sawyer. I set the kitchen timer for sixty minutes, placed some old black eye covers that I used for the beach long ago over my eyes, and tied a black scarf around my head, blindfold style. I was sitting in my favorite chair in the familyroom with the television on and the remote near my right hand.

The first thing I noticed was that I listened much more intently. This evening I heard every news story clearly unlike other times when I would be distracted by the screen or other things going on around me. As soon as the news was over and I heard the music for Entertainment Tonight, I had to get moving. I felt for the remote, found the off button and silenced the noise.

I decided I would try to get some tea from the fridge. Careful to take very small steps, I kept my hands on the wall, then another chair, then the counter continuing to make contact with something until I got to the fridge. I was able to find the tea container and get a glass from the cabinet without any problem. Pouring was more difficult. I had to feel the opening, line it up with the glass and pour only a small amount into the glass. I could hear the liquid go into the glass and when I moved the glass back and forth, I could feel the weight change. I decided to drink my tea at the counter and not risk stumbling into something with a glass in my hand.

Making my way back into the familyroom I decided to go onto the backporch and sit in the swing. I continued my wall hugging and reached my destination without mishap. Mopsy, my kitty, jumped up beside me, wondering what was going on. I could hear and smell a light rain outside. In the distance I heard a neighbor trying to train his dog to do something but couldn't understand what he was saying. A mocking bird went through his whole repertoire for me and Mopsy. I heard a tree frog close by giving thanks for the rain, and the noise of the traffic on the highway at the front of our development was crystal clear. Even with that, it seemed very peaceful. Mopsy purred and rubbed my leg, and I thought about what I would be doing if I could see. It seemed like no time before my timer sounded off.

Through my exercise, I learned to use my other senses to try to compensate for my lack of vision. To keep from being bored, I was more attentive to my surroundings. Since I picked the time and place, I had few problems. I did think about all the things I wanted to be doing but could not, reading, using the computer. I felt I was not able to do anything constructive without my sight. I realize how very, very much I have to be thankful for just because I can see, something I take for granted. It makes me more mindful and empathic toward others.