遠山の目付け
enzan no metsuke
Focus your eyes on a mountain far away
In budo, a way we interpret this saying by applying it to how we use our eyes when facing an opponent or partner. Instead of focusing on minute details, we draw back and use a subtle gaze that encompasses the greater picture - that way you can monitor their footwork, posture, body language, weapon, movements and breathing all at the same time.
You can also extrapolate this out to beyond your immediate adversary and to the surrounding environment, this kind of perception is a cornerstone of effective zanshin.
The ability to keep your gaze open; encompassing all the details before you, helps keep you grounded and aware in every day life. It can also be applied emotionally to give yourself some perspective on the grander events and unstoppable forces that our daily lives throw at us.
Especially in times like this, a lot of our solace must come from within.
