Here's a simple practice that can help ease stress & promote relaxation. If you're feeling stressed, take a moment to notice your eyes. Is your vision tight & narrowly focused? Prolonged visual focus can increase stress levels. Softening your gaze encourages relaxation. Don't take my word for it. Try it out for yourself.

Notice your state of being as you focus intently on a narrow field of vision for a few minutes. Now release your visual focus & allow your gaze to broaden to encompass a wide field of vision. Be mindful of the periphery of your vision. An old teacher of mine called this "minding the edges." Gently mind the edges for a few minutes & notice your state of being. Are you more relaxed?

Try going back & forth between tight vs. wide focus & notice the shifts in your body, mind & emotions. Becoming familiar with the contrast between these two states can help you recognize when you are becoming stressed & remind you take a moment to widen out & relax.