Do you remember the era of “stereograms?”I loved them and always found it easy to find the 3-D picture hidden in the two-dimensional, computer-generated, graphic artwork. I wonder if being deaf and a visual learner makes it easier to find the hidden pictures or messages in a stereogram. I’ve embedded some of these graphic images below. Try it out, then let me know what you find and how long it took you!
Tip: The hidden image can only be seen when viewed from the proper perspective. In order to see the hidden picture in a stereogram, you have to use “far point” vision. To do this you must relax the muscles around the eyes and soften your view as if looking at something in the distance. Some claim that subtly crossing one eye helps them view the hidden image easier. Give it a try. (I promise you this works. I can see the hidden messages on both my large screen PC and my small laptop. Can you?)
I’ve always enjoyed viewing stereograms because they can teach us to view our daily existence from a different perspective and inspire us to search for deeper meaning.
In a way, we are each like a stereogram in that we have two levels of reality. There is the surface level which, like our everyday business of living, often appears chaotic, busy and disorganized with its variety of colors and patterns. Yet, there is also the deeper level of reality, the hidden image, which is like our inner consciousness. The image hidden within is the “real” reality of the stereogram, just like what lies deep within each of us is the real nature of who we are. What lies within is usually what matters the most.
Because stereograms exist on these two levels, they can be used to teach lessons about the hidden dimensions of ourselves and of the everyday world in which we live. On the outside, I am a body, an ego, a deaf woman, wife, mother, employee, etc. But on the inside, I am Spirit, a field of energy with no boundaries, a mysterious part of the perfection of the universe, a divine creation in alignment with my maker!
See if you can find the hidden images in the stereograms above. What are the lessons and the messages?
Did you know that viewing “stereograms” can also help reduce eye strain? Surfing the web, viewing vlogs or reading blogs for long periods of time can cause eye strain. When we spend time looking at our monitor screen, we are forcing our eyes into what is called a “near point” vision. When we are looking at something up close, our eyes must zero in on that object and be held in this position with little movement. This often requires our eye muscles remain the same degree of contraction for long periods of time. The result is eye strain or muscle fatigue. This relaxation of the muscles can give relief from eye strain and its accompanying headaches. Looking at a stereogram for a few moments several times a day can keep you fresh for work on your computer.
Enjoy!
Relax, Peace, and Love
I love them! I still have the books from more than a decade ago… were, hmmm, popular at college, with certain props, hmmm…
Thanks for bringing them up… it was a nice break. I quickly zoomed on them easily, I guess due to the practice I had years ago with them.
You are a cool lady!
Left by Karen Mayes (Deaf Niches) on April 12th, 2007
I had one of those hanging on my bedroom wall for years, and would often stare at it before going to bed. Alas, I have never once been able to see any images pop out. My relatives and friends have worked with me many, many times to try and get my eyes to “work” but they just never did. Eventually, I read that approximately one out of four people simply do not have the ability to decipher stereograms.
Interesting! Thanks for posting -
Left by Jt on April 12th, 2007
Really, JT? One ouf of four? I think it is more about how relaxed and at the same time focused one could stare at one object. I have to admit that when I was at college, I used a certain kind of “party” prop to help me finally to achieve the staring part at the stereograms and after that, I still have the skill, even without the prop aid now. Once you master a skill, it is always with you. Actually, it is a kind of calming just to stare at the stereograms and see the 3-D images appear.
Perhaps, a glass of wine would help you to master the skill
Left by Karen Mayes (Deaf Niches) on April 13th, 2007
some Stereograms are also an art, take a look - http://3dimka.deviantart.com/gallery/
Left by 3Dimka on April 13th, 2007
Karen, I’m glad you were able to see the messages. I had to chuckle about your past “party aid prop.” I can only imagine what that might be….
JT, my husband has never been able to see the hidden pictures either, but then he is nearsighted and wears glasses. People who have astigmatisms have difficulty viewing them as well. I was just curious if deaf people, who are visual learners, could see the hidden images more than hearing people could…..
3Dimka, I’m glad to share your stereogram site. I spent quite a while gazing at your sample artwork. Great job! What’s your story?
~ LaRonda
Left by LaRonda on April 13th, 2007
i am stumped! so i dont think every deaf can do that…. or i am only one??? blame on my little eye disorder.
Left by nerdyguy on April 13th, 2007
I don’t think that every deaf individual is able to read these things…I’m a deaf person who has never been successful at doing so, not matter how hard I try. Even when I’m doing meditation, I still find it hard to see the images in such pictures.
I think it has something to do with how our brains are programmed also, not merely our eyesight or how relaxed we are. Some people just don’t seem to be able to decipher these things. I guess I fall in that “one out of four” population.
Oh well…guess we all have our own little individual skills that we are good at.
Left by Virginia L. Beach on April 13th, 2007
I, too, have never been able to see the 3-D images. I would like to blame it on severe astigmatism in one of my eyes but a friend of mine has severe astigmatism in both and she could always see them. Perhaps if both eyes are equally afflicted?
I did start to see hints of Love in the third one (before I read the first comment
Left by Belle on April 13th, 2007
It took me a while few years ago, but once I got the hang of it, it seems to be magical as it pops out. It’s real amazing how that works!
Just love them. It’s good to know that it is good for eyes and relaxing.
Left by Dianne K on April 14th, 2007
Nope I see pretty colors though…. does that count?
Left by Kaykay on April 16th, 2007
The images just pop out at me. They always have. I call it my special gift. Ha ha ha.
Left by Carolyn on April 19th, 2007
I’ve always been able to see these, altho’ my “way” was to start with my nose against the art, and then to pull away slowly while relaxing my eyes.
Left by Tracy on April 20th, 2007