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I have not written much because, all last week, I determinedly practiced perspective shifting.

In the course of my practice, it became apparent that the main difficulties were caused by my own assumptions, a common failing. Initially, I was under the impression that I must flex some kind of metaphorical muscle to achieve my goal. I would strain myself and end up with a sore mind and body. I carried the strain primarily in my shoulders, neck, and eyes. There were times where I had to lie with my eyes closed, flat on my back on the floor, to undo the knots.

After foolishly stressing myself in this way, while I was resting I learned by accident that perspective shifting relies less on force and more on unfocusing. I would say it's similar to the process of deciphering parallel vision autostereograms. My perspective relaxes, my vision unfocuses on the things in front of me, and I slowly slip into third-person view. Once I understood that it was a game of passivity, the goal became simplified: release my grip and let myself see.

Under the temporary death of summer marked by smatterings of rain, I have almost done it.

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By Adaline Guerra