Our ability to see is both a gift and a miracle and most of us don’t think twice about it. Because I’m working to create an “online resource” partly focused on senses-based mindfulness, I feel I need to lay a bit of foundation for the “See” section, so I asked ChatGPT to "Tell me about the miracle of sight."
Here's how it replied:
ChatGPT Version
“The miracle of sight refers to the complex and fascinating process by which the human eye allows us to perceive the world around us. It involves multiple components working together to capture light and convert it into signals that our brain can interpret.
Here's a brief breakdown:
- Light Entry: Light from the environment enters the eye through the cornea, the clear outer layer. The light passes through the pupil, the black circular opening in the center of the iris (the colored part of the eye), which adjusts its size to regulate the amount of light entering.
- Focus: The light is then focused by the lens, which changes its shape to ensure the light is correctly focused on the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. The lens works with the cornea to focus light accurately, a process called accommodation.
- Retina and Photoreceptors: The retina contains specialized cells called rods and cones. Rods detect light intensity and help with vision in low-light conditions, while cones are responsible for color vision and detailed sight in bright light. These cells convert light into electrical signals.
- Optic Nerve Transmission: Once the light is converted into signals by the retina, these signals travel via the optic nerve to the brain.
- Visual Processing: The brain processes these electrical signals, reconstructing them into images that we consciously perceive. This happens primarily in the occipital lobe at the back of the brain.
The entire process happens almost instantaneously, and it's thanks to the precise coordination of these components that we can see and make sense of our surroundings. The human eye is often considered a marvel of evolution, enabling us to detect fine details, perceive color, and adapt to various lighting conditions.”
My Version
It blows me away to think about it. How all of the processes stated above, transform everything into a movie for us. How the things we see have the ability to initiate a feeling in us. I’m remembering all the times I’ve sat and watched the sunset during a hike, and the alpenglow that will sometimes reflect on the clouds and create a massive color cast onto everything within view. Color particles landing everywhere and enveloping me. Truth be told, I’ve been known to cry a little on occasion while experiencing this. It’s magical.
The point I’m getting at is this, the feeling we get from the miracle of sight is its biggest reward and there are so many beautiful things to lay our eyes on! We need to stop right then and there to acknowledge it while it’s happening. Seriously tho, stop everything you are doing and make it a point to savor the moment. THIS is the first step to mindfulness, and if we do this enough it will become habit. This habit will bring us peace.
Example: If I’m driving along in my car and see something beautiful going on in front of me or anywhere around me, you bet your ass I’m pulling over and getting out of my car to capture it. It’s always worth it. I love going back and looking at all the breathtaking moments I’ve captured in my mind as well as my camera.
Then we must share it! People don’t get tired of seeing beautiful things and we all need more of it in our lives. What we share can be a turning point for someone feeling down (or worse). We have to keep reminding ourselves and others there is beauty in places we may not have even thought of.
Beauty comes in many forms. Don’t forget about the words you read in poems, books, memes, stories, etc.
I’ll end here with a few of my favorite sights and I thank you for taking the time to read some of MY words ❤😊️
Some of those color particles I was telling you about 🤩
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