Kelvin Krita Ever wondered what goes on in your head when you are out of the atmosphere and you are looking back at the only home we have ever known? Most people are preoccupied with their morning commute to work or the cost of groceries, yet for NASA astronaut Ron Garan, 178 days in orbit changed all that. Having traversed many millions of miles and seen the world from the silence of space, he came back with a message that is, on the one hand, a kind of gut punch. According to him, the manner in which we have configured our whole life may be a big lie. It is not a case of conspiracy theory but an incredible change in perception that, in turn, alters our day-to-day reality into a much different one.
The View From The Top
Hundreds of miles above the surface provides you with a front-row view of the actual face of the planet. Garan explains that he sees the Earth as not made up of nations but as a living, breathing marble suspended in a huge, dark cavern.
The Famous Overview Effect
It is not a fancy term for a nice view but a cognitive change written down. Most astronauts claim that they experience a strong urge for unity and the need to save the planet after realizing the vulnerability of the planet.
Paper Thin Protection
Among the most frightening revelations that Garan had was the view of the atmosphere from space. This reminds me of a very fine, glowing blue ribbon, a delicate film that is all that is between us and the emptiness of space.
Borders Are Mostly Invisible
Being so busy discussing the lines on the map, we fail to notice that they never exist in nature. The International Space Station provides a view that the world is one big neighborhood and that everyone is essentially living in the same house.
The Global Economy Trap
According to Garan, we do tend to view the economy as the most significant aspect of our existence. But when you view it from space, you do not get the stock markets or bank accounts; you only get the biological systems that, in fact, keep us alive.
Living The Big Lie
The lie that he is talking about is the notion that the systems created by humans are more real than the planet. We tend to treat the environment as a minor component of the economy as opposed to vice versa.
Interconnectedness Is Real
It is clear in space that whatever occurs in one section of the world one day will ultimately reach the rest. You stop seeing events as isolated once you realize we are all living within the same thin layer of air.
A Shift In Priorities
Garan implies that we may be forced to reverse our thought process. Rather than placing the economy first, we might consider placing the health of the planet at the top of the list and then society and the financial systems.
The Illusion Of Separation
We are inclined to view ourselves as independent entities or countries, but space travel implies that we are crewmembers on a vessel. When the life support goes down, then it does not matter which cabin you are sitting in.
Redefining True Wealth
Perhaps it is not money in a computerized bank account that makes one wealthy, but the well-being of the biosphere. Garan has had the experience that a beautiful and healthy planet is the only real legacy we are left with to give to the next generation.
A Message Of Hope
By the end of the day, the story by Garan is the unbelievable beauty and strength of our home. It is a reminder that we may be living a lie, but the truth is far more breathtaking than we thought.
