Why Is It Difficult to Walk Straight With My Eyes Closed?
The reason we cannot do this always is because when we walk naturally the steps taken by our right and left feet are not of equal length. This difference in the length of the steps is due to the fact that our legs are never exactly the same length. We think of them generally as of the same length, but they are not, and this will be proven if you measure them accurately. Now, then, the longer of the legs will always take a longer step than the shorter one, and so, if our eyes are shut, we walk in circles, unless we have something to guide us. When we walk with our eyes open, we are able to overcome the tendency to walk in circles, because our eyes help the brain to direct the legs on a straight course. Another reason which affects the matter is that our eyes are very necessary in keeping our bodies balanced on our feet, and it is very difficult to learn to keep the body balanced with the eyes closed. Now, when your eyes are closed and you attempt to walk in a straight line your body balances from one side to the other, and this fact, coupled with the first reason given, makes your course irregular. But, say you, the man on the tight-rope has his eyes bandaged and he walks a very straight line. Yes; but remember that he has a straight tight-rope to guide him, and all he needs is to maintain his balance. One can learn to walk in a straight line with the eyes closed, but it takes a good deal of practice, as you will learn if you try.