Unfixed Gaze
Avoid focusing on a single part of the opponent; instead, adopt an unfixed, broader view to perceive the whole situation and respond naturally. This concept, derived from martial arts, emphasizes looking through the enemy to read intentions and maintain flexibility.
THE IDEA
FIXING THE EYES IN OTHER SCHOOLS
Some teachers say that you should always stare at the enemy’s weapons, or at his eyes, or at his feet. This is not a good idea because it fixes your spirit in place and is easily read by an experienced fighter. It also limits your ability to be flexible under any circumstances. It takes the naturalness out of your actions and weakens your resolve. If the football player constantly watches only the football, how can he ever expect to run with it down the field and score? If the master musician looks only at the music, note for note, how can he ever play with the “soul” required for the music to make sense? It is the same with the warrior; one particular part of the enemy should not be stared at. This makes it too easy for the enemy to deceive you and interfere with your timing and rhythm. You should favor the broader view.
Your eyes should be fixed on no-thing. Your stare should be unfixed. When I fight another man, I look through him and think only of making the hit. I have no preconceived notions of which target is the one to aim for. I let nature take its course and permit the “spirit of the thing itself ” to express “itself ” through me and make me the victor. And I never forget to acknowledge the “spirit” after I have won a fight. This is the true warrior’s Way.
With experience you will soon learn to ascertain the strength and speed of the enemy. This will enable you to figure out his intentions and determine his skill. Look through the enemy, look through his heart, look beyond his very being and degrade him entirely with your spirit. That is what you must concentrate upon. The “spirit of the thing itself ” will guide your hands accordingly and help you to beat the enemy in a fight.
Always take the broader view of the entire situation both when you are in a fight and when you are not. Do not concentrate on details. Keep only one thing in mind: that thing is to beat the enemy. In this way your spirit will continue to grow and you will always be conscious of your surroundings and the situations that appear. Concentrating on one cart when you are crossing the avenue means that you leave yourself open to another cart hitting you from the other side because you were concentrating on details and not the entire situation. The same applies to fighting. If you constantly gaze at the enemy’s feet, it will be easy for him to strike you with a punch. If you concentrate on the hands, he will kick you. If you concentrate on the eyes, he can easily fool you into thinking one thing while he does another. Always look to the mountain and beyond. This way you will be aware of the broader picture and can easily win if you have the resolve to do so.
When to use it
In combat sports, maintaining a soft gaze that takes in the whole opponent instead of fixating on a specific target.
When crossing a busy street, scanning the entire flow of traffic rather than focusing on one vehicle.
During a presentation, reading the room’s overall energy rather than staring at notes or one person.
In project management, keeping the broader project goals in mind while delegating tasks rather than micromanaging details.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Football Player and the Ball
If the football player constantly watches only the football, how can he ever expect to run with it down the field and score? Focusing solely on the ball limits his awareness of the field, opponents, and opportunities.
Crossing a Busy Avenue
When crossing the street, concentrating on one cart can leave you unaware of another approaching from the opposite direction. Scanning the traffic more broadly helps you notice both.
Musician and the Sheet Music
If a master musician looks only at the music note for note, he cannot play with the 'soul' required for the music to make sense. He must have an unfixed view to feel the whole piece.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
How can you apply the concept of unfixed gaze to a business negotiation?
In what areas of your life do you tend to fixate on details and miss the bigger picture?
Think of a situation where focusing on a single element led to a negative outcome. How could an unfixed gaze have changed it?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Musashis book of five rings the definitive interpretation of Miyamoto Musashis classic book of strategy (Kaufman, SteveMiyamoto, Musashi)