The insight I got from someone I knew who had been an astronaut was that being off the planet several times and seeing it from space provided the opportunity to put it into context.
When you stand on the ground and you look around, wherever you look there is more, 'it just goes on forever'.
When you are in space and you can see the whole of it, you understand how finite it is, and by extension ho fragile it is. There is only one we have access to; if we screw this one up, we can't download another copy and start again - this is it.
A great read. Thank you, Rea. I've followed the Institute of Noetic Sciences for many years which Edgar Mitchell founded. https://noetic.org/about/origins/
Awesome, May I share the link to your post (and credit to you) in my newsletter for tomorrow? It inspired me to share a poem that I wrote after the James Webb Telescope photos emerged.
I wrote this after reading about how many astronauts experience what’s called “The Overview Effect”--that awe-filled shift in perspective from seeing Earth from orbit. The recent Blue Horizon launch kind of cheapened it, I thought. Felt more like PR awe than the real thing, and wasn't "full space," just "barely space." 😉
I really appreciate how you leaned into the spiritual angle. That part matters so much right now--in a time when faith, awe, and transcendence often get sidelined. Context, as always, makes all the difference.
I've heard snippets of a few of these quotes but love that you put them all together in this piece! I'm not a religious person, and I'm not sure where I stand on the creator vs. science debate. But what I do know, is that either way, the earth and everything around it is miraculous. It's so thought-provoking. Honestly, the wonder of it all is enough for me!
Interesting! When the first picture of the earth was made public it inspired this book called the "whole earth catalog" by Stewart Brand. It was very big in California and inspired many early tech people like Steve Jobs for example.
Such a unique angle! I loved when you said that ‘’Earth looks like a little thumbprint.’’ A profound yet lighthearted read, thank you for sharing!
Thank you Mymy. 💞
You are most welcome 🤗
I feel that way when I stand by the Pacific Ocean. Both tiny and insignificant, then broken open and infinite. Thanks for this! Love, Virg
I know that feeling, Virg! Thank you.
The insight I got from someone I knew who had been an astronaut was that being off the planet several times and seeing it from space provided the opportunity to put it into context.
When you stand on the ground and you look around, wherever you look there is more, 'it just goes on forever'.
When you are in space and you can see the whole of it, you understand how finite it is, and by extension ho fragile it is. There is only one we have access to; if we screw this one up, we can't download another copy and start again - this is it.
Precisely! Earth is our home, and we should take care of her!
Our epic journey through space.
https://open.substack.com/pub/abforbes/p/earths-epic-voyage-through-space?r=yn8c0&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
Wonderful post!
Thank you.
A great read. Thank you, Rea. I've followed the Institute of Noetic Sciences for many years which Edgar Mitchell founded. https://noetic.org/about/origins/
Thank you Jen. I will have a look now.
Awesome, May I share the link to your post (and credit to you) in my newsletter for tomorrow? It inspired me to share a poem that I wrote after the James Webb Telescope photos emerged.
Yes please do Jen.
I love this. And now for a shameless self-promo (not my usual move), but it really fits here:
https://go2dhero.substack.com/p/overflow
I wrote this after reading about how many astronauts experience what’s called “The Overview Effect”--that awe-filled shift in perspective from seeing Earth from orbit. The recent Blue Horizon launch kind of cheapened it, I thought. Felt more like PR awe than the real thing, and wasn't "full space," just "barely space." 😉
I really appreciate how you leaned into the spiritual angle. That part matters so much right now--in a time when faith, awe, and transcendence often get sidelined. Context, as always, makes all the difference.
I love your post. It is very well written. The vastness out there.
Aww, thank you for that. It’s probably my favorite piece, all told.
I’ve written “better” ones technically--but some just speak to something deeper, you know?
I know you know. 😉
Thank you for your thoughtful comment. I'm going to read your post now.
I've heard snippets of a few of these quotes but love that you put them all together in this piece! I'm not a religious person, and I'm not sure where I stand on the creator vs. science debate. But what I do know, is that either way, the earth and everything around it is miraculous. It's so thought-provoking. Honestly, the wonder of it all is enough for me!
The vastness of space, and here we are. Miraculous describes it perfectly. Thank you Lindsay!
Interesting! When the first picture of the earth was made public it inspired this book called the "whole earth catalog" by Stewart Brand. It was very big in California and inspired many early tech people like Steve Jobs for example.
I found the Whole Earth Catalog online free!!
I didn't know that. Interesting, this wonderful Earth of ours.
It's remarkable how this vast perspective changed everything for these astronauts.
I can only imagine the awe Terry.
It’s fascinating yes! Great write!
Thank you Marie!
Lovely. Have you read the book ‘Orbital’? This reminded me of its perspective and themes…
I found 21 pages of it. Reading it now. Wow!!
Oh good! I got it for Christmas and read it over the space of about two days… Quite inspirational!
No, I haven't, yet! Now I will.
Thank you!
Hope you enjoy it! It’s a short book, but beautiful 🌍