Touching the Rock: An Experience of Blindness

As we embark on this profound journey into the world of blindness, imagine standing at the edge of a vast ocean, the horizon blurred and the waves gently lapping at your feet. This is the beginning of a transformation, where sight fades and a new sensory world begins to emerge. The experience of losing sight is not sudden but a gradual sinking, much like a ship slowly descending beneath the ocean's surface, weighed down by an invisible burden. In these early stages, dreams still paint vivid pictures in color, a lingering echo of a world once seen. One might dream of a white cane left behind on a train, a symbol both of loss and the yearning for independence. The cane is not merely a tool but an extension of the self, a bridge between the known and the unknown.

Walking through a quiet street on a rainy evening, the sound of raindrops becomes a symphony that reveals the contours of the world. The rain acts like a curtain lifting, unveiling spaces previously hidden. This acoustic experience creates a continuity of perception, replacing the fragmented visual cues with a harmonious whole. Yet, beneath this beauty lies a deep sense of dread — the realization that the light is receding, that faces once familiar are now fading portraits in a gallery slowly closing its doors.

Despite the fear and uncertainty, there is a subtle invitation to begin the process of re-creation. The journey through darkness is also a journey towards a new identity, one that requires courage, patience, and an openness to the unexpected gifts that lie beyond sight. As we move forward, we will explore how perception transforms, how relationships shift, and how the spiritual dimension offers solace and meaning. But first, we must acknowledge the profound sinking into this new reality, the first step into the tunnel that leads beyond light and darkness.