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šŸ‘ Optical Illusions šŸ‘

  • Writer: Simon O'Donovan
    Simon O'Donovan
  • Mar 26, 2022
  • 4 min read

Updated: Apr 2, 2022


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Here is a short CST activity page, based on the best known and/or most interesting optical illusions, borrowed from the internet for your enjoyment.


There are a few questions and songs interspersed, but the main aim of this session is just to have fun observing how we all perceive things differently.


If you wanted to recommend any more optical illusions I can add them.




ROUND 1. Nature


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How many zebras are there?


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Rabbit or crow?


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Horses or zebras?


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Man running into or dog running out of forest?


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How many horses are there?



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Is this cat going upstairs or downstairs?



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Pig or owl?


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Lion or mouse?



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Hummingbird or Lynx


According to Dr Spelman, who created this picture, you're a reliable hard-worker if you see the bird in this image first. You are especially talented at "adapting and reacting" to challenges.

Alternatively, those who immediately spot the lynx are what they call "Big Picture Thinkers". You aren't as focused on details, more capable of bigger problem solving and are comfortable just trusting your instincts.




PERSONALITY TEST


Look carefully. Which animal do you see first?


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Apparently the first animal you identify in this image says a lot about your personality.



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Stallion - If you saw the stallion first then this means you are a determined individual who will follow things you are passionate about. You are also independent and can be impulsive, but you also know how to act appropriately in social situations.



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If you saw the rooster first this means you are confident and like showing off your skills when you can, but you’re not a show off.



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If you saw the crab first this means you may have a harder exterior, but are actually very soft and sensitive on the inside. It’s also an indication that, much like the way the crab moves, you may need to move in a few different directions before you reach your goals.



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If you saw the praying mantis first this means that you are happiest when you have peace and quiet in your life, both literally and metaphorically, and you may become overwhelmed in noisy or chaotic situations. You are also clever and patient.



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If you saw the wolf first this means you are a natural leader and a survivor, and you’re intelligent and fearless and want to carve out your own path. You are very happy with your own company and do not mind spending time alone as opposed to with others.



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If you saw the falcon first that means you were born to be a leader. You like travelling and have a love of travelling, and others are often inspired by your positive energy. You’re also known for being strong and balanced.



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If you saw the dog first that means you are a very loyal person. Like man’s best friend, you also like to please people and also look after your loved ones. You are kind and protective too.



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If you saw the butterfly first this means you have natural grace and beauty. You also have the ability to get through difficult situations and emerge better than before. Other people are also inspired by your impressive self-growth techniques and resilience.



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If you saw a dove first this means that you are gentle, hopeful and innocent. You are also calm and balanced and bring a sense of calm and peace to everyone you meet. For this reason, people love being around you.




SONG BREAK


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ROUND 2. Famous Faces

- Oleg Shuplyak


Complete the names ...


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Vincent


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Hans


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William


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Sigmund



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Salvador


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George


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Charles


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Marilyn



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J



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John



SONG BREAK



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NEXT TEST


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How many animals can you see? List them ...





ROUND 3. Shapes


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Despite what your brain is telling you, the red lines are straight ...



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The background colour does not change



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The orange circles are the same size



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A & B squares are the same colour



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These lines are perfectly horiztonal



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The dots are the same colour



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These pieces are exactly the same size!



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Move your eye a little and see movement ...



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Same ...



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If you focus on the black dot, all the colour disappears ...




SONG BREAK


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ROUND 4. Some Old Classics


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Animal hides, bats, humans, lobsters, rabbit heads and a lot of other things have been seen in Rorschach inkblots, but none were deliberately placed there. What can you see?



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Do you see a young or old lady?



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Do you see Einstein or Marilyn?



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Do you see a skull or lady looking in the mirror?



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Duck or rabbit?


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How many animals and faces can you see?




ANOTHER TEST



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Try saying the colours not the words. How far can you get?






ROUND 5. Photos


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Floating ship


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Clown or dog?


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Yellow and white or black and blue?


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Where's the fourth arm?



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Underwater or jumping into water?


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Floating or upside down?



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  1. Stare at the dots located at the center of the woman's face for about 30 seconds to a minute.

  2. Then turn your eyes immediately to the center x of the white image on the right of the woman's face.

  3. Blink quickly several times.






BODY ART - Johannes Stƶtter

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Another perspective ...



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Another of my favourites is 'Swirling Starry Night' ...



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SONG. 'Vincent', Don McLean - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxHnRfhDmrk





FINAL SONG


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So, who won? I know it's not a scored quiz, but ask about enjoyment. Maybe have some prizes on standby?




Any more song or image recommendations, please let me know




PRACTICAL ACTIVITIES


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Some ideas for practical activities ...


Pass around a Kaleidoscope



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Try and get hold of a view finder and slides.



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Share around a set of binoculars and find a view.




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About Me

 

Simon O’Donovan MBE is a retired Consultant Nurse who worked in NHS Wales for most of his adult life, supporting people with dementia, their care partners and support staff through managing, developing and improving services to benefit this group. 

 

The main aim of this website is to share experience and resources freely, so others can dip in and out and use some or all of the free and open access materials provided in their own CST practice. Thus facilitating and supporting the provision of uplifting and enjoyable sessions that optimise people with dementia's quality of life.

This site is not owned by or affiliated to any organisation. It is a personal unpaid commitment with no intention whatsoever of profit-making. However, costs for web package, domain page & YouTube & Spotify subscriptions can be supported via a www.ko-fi.com/simondementia donation. 

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Please note that some images are copied from the public domain under the 'fair use copyright' principle, in that they will only be used for educational purposes with disability groups and not be used for profit.

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