I have always been fascinated by the night sky. Stars twinkling against a backdrop of darkness, with the moon leading the way to a mysterious life all its own. Even with the magical offerings of the night, I rarely step outside to appreciate its beauty.
With the light pollution in cities and populated areas, the stars seem to fade into nonexistence. It’s only when I return to nature that I’m reminded of the vastness of the universe I’m a part of.
“You should always gaze up at the seas of stars opening our nights and remember again and again that you’re in an awesomely vast and wild universe where nearly anything can happen, and at any given time. When our perspectives shift, so do our hearts.” – Victoria Erickson
One night last summer, in Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Park, I was invited into a world that shifted my perspective entirely. After dark, a large group of us gathered at the helipad to attend a ranger program about the night sky. We spread out atop an enormous rock, still warmed by the day’s sunlight. Lying down and looking up, I was in complete awe by the life above me. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many stars before. The ranger taught us about the constellations and stories of their origin. We squealed in delight every time a shooting star traveled across the sky.
I no longer felt so alone in a world that seems so chaotic and crazy. The things I worried about became much less important in the grander scheme of it all. We’re surrounded by worlds undiscovered. Universes that we don’t even know are out there.
“The nitrogen in our DNA, the calcium in our teeth, the iron in our blood, the carbon in our apple pies were made in the interiors of collapsing stars. We are made of starstuff.”
― Carl Sagan, Cosmos
Last night, I glanced up at the moon peeking through the clouds. I could hear the nightlife in the distant trees. I made a vow to step outside in the hours after sundown and enjoy the things I often forget to appreciate. My new Moon Play float top from Soul Flower reminds me to do just that. Aside from being the most comfortable top I own (so soft, with the perfect loose fit), I can imagine myself swinging under the maple tree out back, guided by the light of the moon. Not a worry on my mind.
“Look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see, and wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be curious.” – Stephen Hawking
We’re all made of star stuff. We’re all part of something so beautiful and perfect in its own chaotic way.
With the warm nights of summer approaching, there will be many opportunities to get outside and play under the moonlight. I plan to seek out areas where the stars shine freely, and let my imagination take me to uncharted worlds. The sky is truly limitless.
Alia wore the Moon Play Float Top
Aurora Emmaline
June 5, 2015 at 2:08 am (10 years ago)Enchanting :))) I for one will be looking up at the stars tonight….
Leiah
June 5, 2015 at 2:31 pm (10 years ago)National parks should boast more about their fantastic star-gazing opportunities! I once had the opportunity to attend a similar ranger talk about the night sky in Hawaii. About half-way up Mauna Kea I saw more stars than I’d ever seen before! Truly awe-inspiring.
Burnell Yow!
June 6, 2015 at 5:56 am (10 years ago)I agree, Leiah. Night skies like that simply take my breath away and leave speechless, which a state I love to be in.