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Perspective: The difference between a Million and a Billion, terms we toss around as if they’re almost interchangeable. When measured in seconds, a Million amounts to 11.5 days. In comparison, a Billion is 31.5 YEARS. Perspective!
Our sun, the source of our energy, is one Million times larger than our planet Earth and is just one of Billions of stars in our galaxy. To keep our limitations in focus, which is my purpose, there are Billions of galaxies. My brain can’t begin to comprehend this vastness. And no offense, yours can’t either. Even down here on this tiny, tiny planet the vastness of nature is enough to inspire us to accept our small impact, reduce our egos and see our true place in this universe.
The Niagara River drains Lake Erie into Lake Ontario, and then the St. Lawrence River takes it into the Atlantic Ocean. If you’ve been there, you know this, but the power of the water as it approaches the falls is overwhelming. The vertical drop is the most powerful source of hydroelectric power on the North American continent. Our individual lives are like one drop in all the water relentlessly going over Niagara Falls.
When in the presence of nature of this vastness, I’m aware of our place in this short, short life. I’m aware of the limits our individual impact can have.
This doesn’t have to result in feeling insignificant though. If we choose, it allows us to see ourselves more accurately, more realistically, more humbly and more importantly, as comfortably part of something much bigger. Part of something we can comprehend. Something much larger than ourselves. It’s like seeing our children become good parents. We can be part of a contribution to continuity. There are numerous other ways, of course, but that’s one example.
As I write this, as always, unfortunately there are many private and many national and many religious wars being fought. All being SO seriously based on what amounts to random chance. Much of who we are is dependent on when, where and to whom we were born. None of which we had much choice in determining. Yet, people who frequently change their minds as they gather information while living in this vastness are often portrayed as not dependable and wishy-washy. I’m saying it is fear of uncertainty that keeps people finding comfort in what they settle for as answers.
Beware of people with more answers than questions. I’m suggesting accepting uncertainty in an open-minded life involving continuous learning without fear of change is preferable. And that requires trading Hubris for Healthy Humility.