It’s Time to Take an Overview…
Originally Published in the Awakened Soul Newsletter sent November 15, 2024
As we move past the election season into the season of what’s next.... Here is an idea that may be helpful to you in gaining perspective on what is truly important.
First, we can recognize that what we have been led to believe, through our social media accounts and newsfeeds, has been at the special interest and viewpoint of someone else, not our inner being or high self.
So, how do we regain a sense of connection and equilibrium?
How can we get in touch with values that will illuminate and inspire us?
What is the path towards becoming a responsible part of the conscious whole of creation?
I recently ran across an article that was about “The Overview Effect”. This term refers to what happens when a person goes into outer-space and experiences the effect of seeing the earth from this distance. It is what our indigenous ancestors called the vision of condor/eagle. This also refers to coming together and sharing perspective with those that are different than us. This higher perspective offers a lens that is not possible when distracted by all of the noise, information overload, demands and anxiety of what life on earth can seem to be about.
Rather, from this perspective, a person can be overtaken by emotion and wonder. If we lift our eyes and sharpen our vision, we can see the whole truth of life rather than being distracted by the parts. The earth can be recognized as the living being that she is. An integrated, energetic whole planet, that is home to multitudes of people, creatures, minerals, waters, air and earth.
And it can become clear that humans are missing the point. While we may think the main issues are economic, political, social, and who has the power, it is both simpler and more overwhelming at the same time.
The real question is, can humanity grow in consciousness enough to recognize our responsibility to take care of the great gifts we have been given in nature?
Can we see ourselves in the eyes of all of our brothers and sisters?
Can we grow our inner gifts, tied to our life purpose, in time to become wise decision-makers?
William Shatner was caught off guard when he traveled into space by the immense sadness he felt and as he looked back at earth, he longed to return and be reconnected. He recognized that people just aren’t aware of the toll we are taking on the viability of our home planet by taking it for granted and harming it with our selfish ways.
Astronaut Ronald Garan discovered the overview effect and realized the beauty, fragility, and interconnection of all that is, on the planet. It is the realization that earth is a living biosphere with interrelated systems that
humans in general are not aware of. If we were, we would understand the importance of treating the earth as the living being that she is. Instead, laments Garan, we think the economy is the most important thing in the
world, which is a lie and causes humanity to be blocked in our evolution.
As we move into this next season for our planet, I wish for all of us to have the opportunity to gaze upon the earth with its wild diversity, abundant resources, and breath-taking beauty with the ‘overview effect’.
May we all have a deep appreciation that we are interrelated to all of life, inextricably linked to each other and to all manner of beings.
May we live with our highest values, courage and wisdom. May we see that it is our responsibility to recognize our role in standing with and for our home planet, Pachamama, and for all who share this home with us.
May we recognize our call to be open hearted lovers of life, as well as receivers of the love offered to us.
