Before I acquired the C.O.P.D thing I was training with my horse for Cross Country Endurance. Part of the English disipline is to ride using "soft eyes". Whereas you are looking, but not focusing. This has been very helpful to me (as well as relaxing) when blocking out my compositions. I wear much needed glasses, but since 40 when most need correction for far sightedness, my eyes have changed and without my glasses I can see the hair on a frog. So I paint without my glasses and zoom in when needed in the beginning. Saves me from the squint wrinkles.
