Over the years, I've been fortunate to end up in some places that offer a remarkable opportunity to admire a clear, star-filled, galaxy-on-full-display, nighttime sky.
From the Australian Outback to Western Sahara, from Patagonia to the Seychelles, from Mahahual, Mexico to Karimabad, Pakistan...I always stare in awe when such an opportunity presents itself.
The other night, I went down to the beach here in Playa del Carmen. While the sky was not as impressive as the other locations listed above, there were sufficient stars to get me thinking.
When I stared up at that seemingly infinite expanse of sky, I found myself looking at reality from two different points of view.
First, when I see such an unfathomable space, I quickly determine that our lives are magnificently insignificant, mere specs of dust that are not nearly as important as we would like to believe.
On the other hand, the grand universe also makes me feel powerful, and it gives my life meaning because my little body, mind and life are actually a part of 'everything', made up of the same stuff as the rest of the universe. That's amazing stuff to ponder.
So while I tend to focus on the amusing insignificance of it all, I also think there's no harm in trying to live our own fulfilling individual and collective stories while we're here. Why not, right?
But enjoying a hearty laugh about how small we really are in the grand scheme of things can be really healthy. It helps me avoid taking life so seriously. As a result, I have far fewer reasons to think negatively about other people (it's usually based on limited information anyway), get upset over little things or allow myself to think I know all the answers.
This all leads to an inner peace that helps keep me balanced at times. It's an inner peace that I think is a great natural remedy for our current fast-paced, everything is so important, how dare someone else thinks differently, compare our lives with everyone else's, kind of society.
When we step back and chuckle at our smallness among the vastness, much of life's useless frustrations and negativity disappear. Then we can carry on trying to enjoy our time on this planet as best we can, supported by additional love, positivity and respect.
What goes through your mind when you stare up at the sky? And where's the most incredible nighttime sky you've ever seen?
