Eons v. News
Lately I’ve been embracing the bigger picture. As in the distant past kind of bigger picture.
I’ve discovered the PBS show “Eons: Life and Death on Pangea.”
Do you know it?
The action and drama that unfolds in this show typically takes place between 500 and 250 million years ago.
What I’ve been enjoying about this show is not only its educational benefits and enlightening vocabulary (who knew “slab suction” was a thing in plate tectonics), but also the vastly different time scale it reminds me of. It’s what’s referred to as “deep time.”
These days, deep time is a comfort to me.
Understanding what the Earth has been through, and where we humans come from, helps me to put today’s current events in perspective.
I’m reminded of the cosmic calendar that Carl Sagan presented:
You may prefer this more recent graphic depiction of the calendar featuring Neil deGrasse Tyson:
I find it reassuring to contemplate how we humans came to be in the place we are currently, knowing that “this too shall pass.” It helps me to deepen my gratitude for the miraculous and fleeting nature of my life here. I take solace in knowing I am a minuscule drop in the ocean of existence, yet am the result of billions of years of evolution.
“You are not a drop in the ocean. You are the entire ocean in a drop.”
My regular meditation practice is another source of comfort and helps me train my brain to recognize itself. I practice seeing my thoughts during meditation and therefore am less at the mercy of them throughout the day. You’re welcome to join me in the morning. Learn more about the online sangha I am a part of through Open Door Meditation here.
How do you find solace?
What practices bring you a sense of peace?
I’d love to know.
Photo by Wexor Tmg, via Unsplash: Thanks Wexor!