The Space Between · Exercises

Two: holding two objects in attention at once

Let two lights and the space between them stay present, and respond to changes without choosing one light to follow.

Held at once · about 2 minutes · eyes open

Back to the exercise

What this exercise trains

Narrow attention selects. It picks one thing and lets the rest fall away, which is useful for reading a word and tiring as a way of life. Fehmi described a different style, in which several things are held at the same time without any of them being singled out.

Two trains that simultaneous attention in its simplest form. Two lights, and the space between them, all present together. The challenge is not to detect the change; it is to notice it without having narrowed onto one light in advance.

How it works

Two lights sit on either side of the screen and stay where they are. Occasionally one gains a ring, or both do. When you notice the change, choose Left, Right, or Both, using the buttons, a tap, or the left, right, and up arrow keys.

There is no midpoint to stare at and no need to move your eyes between the lights. If a change passes before you choose, the next one is a little clearer. An early or mistaken choice gets a short pause rather than a penalty.

Rounds are tick marks. Nothing is scored or stored.

What it does not measure

Choosing the correct side shows that you saw which light changed. It does not show whether you were holding both lights evenly, and it says nothing about your mental state or your brain rhythms.

Where it fits

Two is where many people first feel the difference between watching for something and letting things be present. It pairs naturally with Between, which it follows on the home page.

Next in the sequence is Contact, which adds movement and timing. The Head and Hands meditation works the same simultaneous attention through body sensation rather than sight.

One of seven attention exercises after Les Fehmi's Open Focus method. "Open Focus" is a trademark of its owners; this independent project is not affiliated with or endorsed by them. Source: Fehmi & Robbins, The Open-Focus Brain (2007). A wellbeing and education tool, not a medical device or a substitute for professional care. Created by Matt Knapp.