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Following on from yesterday’s post about Quantum Speed Reading, here are the details on the methodology for training the QSR ability…
The first step is Image and Eye Training
There are three parts to the first step:
- Staring Practice
- 3D Stereogram
- Eye Training
Staring Practice
This is an activity that is done both in Heguru and the Wink program (PhotoEyeplay) from Right Brain Kids. In this activity, you use images like the one below for practice. The idea is to stare at the dot at the center of the image for about 30 seconds then close your eyes. When you close your eyes, you show be able to see an after image in secondary colours (shown in the small box at the bottom of the card).
The after image will appear for a while before it disappears. With practice, the after image will appear for longer and longer periods. Eventually, you will be able to see it in its primary colours – that is, it will be as if you are staring at the picture as it is. You can practice in natural light or artificial light and you can either turn off the lights or close your eyes to see the after image.
The Wink program contains both Photo Eyeplay cards and a DVD. I have tried both and I find it easier to see the after image using the Photo Eyeplay DVD.
You can make your own Photo Eyeplay cards by using vivid pictures like the one shown above. Use pictures from magazines, cut them out and mount it on cardboard and mark a dot in the center as a focal point. This is what they do in Heguru.
This is my own extrapolation, but I believe that if you can see the actual image in primary colours after you have closed your eyes, you have very likely also developed your photographic memory so there are additional benefits for doing this exercise.
3D Stereogram
When I was in high school, there was a period when Magic Eye Books became really popular. If you aren’t familiar, they are books with pages of patterns which you are supposed to stare at for a while until a 3D image floats out towards you.
If you are having trouble adjusting your eyes to see the image, the Magic Book suggests putting your nose up against the picture and relaxing your eyes. Slowly draw the picture away from you and maintain your eye focus and the image should start to appear. I don’t know if you want to try this method with an image on the computer screen though.
The other alternative is to look at the image as if you are staring at an object behind it and wait for the image to appear. That’s the method I use.
There are many books available using the Magic Eye concept these days so it is easy to get practice material. Alternatively, you can use google images to find you some free ones. However, if you are worried about staring too intently at a computer for too long, I recommend buying a book to practice on – just look for books on 3D stereograms.
Eye Training
This activity is done in Shichida and the Wink program (Eye Exercises). I’m not sure if Heguru does this with the older children, but I would presume so because they display it on their demo video. The practice cards look like the one shown below:
The idea is to trace your eyes along the lines as quickly as you can. According to Tobitani’s book, if you can “get it right”, you should be able to see colours emerging from the image. You are encouraged to paint the patterns you see.
This training is also done to improve speed reading, so there are dual benefits for practicing this exercise.
If you want free practice cards, you can make your own or download a copy of ours.
Updated – for more information on the Quantum Speed Reading Program please refer to the following articles:
Jezze says
This is the first time I read anything on photoeyeplay / eye training. I’ve tried the eye training on myself, so far no colours yet. Do you manage to see any colours? Guess I didn’t do it right.
Hmmm.. how do you practice these exercises with young children who don’t understand instructions?
Anyway, thanks. Great stuff as always..
Shen-Li says
I have the Wink program so I have the Photoeyeplay DVD. I find it easier to see the after image using the DVD compared to the cards. The colours I see are not vivid, but it is still an after image. Sometimes I don’t see it either so it does take some practice to get it. They say it is easier for young children because they are in a right brain state. I have done it with my older boy who is 3 plus and he says he can see it. He also tells me the colours he sees so I’m assuming he understands the instructions.
Irene says
very interesting. thanks shen li. so you bought the wink program and get all this ,and not by attending their workshop>?
hannah says
Hi Shen Li, when should we start teaching 1.Staring Practice
2.3D Stereogram
3.Eye Training
to children ?
Shen-Li says
Irene – so sorry, I must have missed this comment… The photoeyeplay cards and the eye exercises are from the Wink kit. The 3D stereograms I bought separately.
Hannah – Yumiko Tobitani said in QSR that we should start teaching these to children from 4-6 years old. QSR training needs to be completed by age 10. However, there are still benefits to be gained even when practicing these exercises as an adult.
A lot of it depends on your child and how open your child is to these exercises. The important thing is not to force it. It must come naturally.
hannah says
Thanks a lot Shen Li.
Buck says
Hi Shen-li,
I had tried it on myself before I do it on my children. It’s amazing I could see the diagram in 3D. However, this kind of training can it be done on a picture and try to get the same effect? I am using it for my religious practise. Can advise pls?
Shen-Li says
Hi Buck,
The reason for practice is to train the eyes in preparation for QSR. I don’t know if you will see normal pictures in 3D however the aim is to exercise the eyes more so than achieving 3D vision of flat pictures. It is somewhat like meditation so I would presume it helps with religious practice.