Eclipsed? Seeing the SUNNY side of totality

It is no surprise that across various cultures eclipses have inspired dark myths, legends and lores. Afterall the one thing we can count on is the sun – and the eclipse presents itself as an anomaly to what we take for granted in our daily lives, day after day, after day.

I, for one, was totally wonder struck, got teary-eyed and felt a strong sense of my own insignificance as the moon cast its shadow on the sun. When totality hit, the Earthlings looked around with a collective sense of amazement – the world around us began to change and an eerie twilight descended upon the landscape. And then, for what felt like a brief moment, only the sun's corona, a stunning halo of light, blazed on. And then a blast of light forming the cosmic diamond ring gave way and it was day again. It is a sequence of events in quick succession quite unlike any, a sight to behold and to simply marvel at. The sense of awe I felt was like nothing I have felt before.

It had been a long drive to the path of totality, filled with a sense of anticipation, and the moment totally delivered.

Day in the sun

Research asserts that experiencing awe, a feeling of wonder in response to something like a total eclipse, can lead to many positive sentiments. I can attest to the fact that it felt more than just a remarkable celestial event; it felt like an experience that offers profound insights, especially if you get the time to reflect on a long drive back. No doubt, acknowledging our place in the grand scheme of things, helps to cultivate a sense of perspective, gratitude, and purpose. But there were more seemingly little things that the eclipse shed light on.

I am glad that after much deliberation I did finally make the decision to take the long trip to see the totality. It took conscious commitment to break-free from the everyday and create time for this experience. I had to remind myself of the bigger picture – of how daily work fits in, and how sometimes you have to untangle yourself from the knots, give yourself permission, to move away from set routines and habitual practices.

Creating space in our lives to fully immerse ourselves in the wonders around us, embracing the temporary nature of things, and recognizing the subtle shifts in perspective can lead to reflections, realizations, and affirmations that give deeper understanding of life and the balance therein.

Sometimes, all we need is a little space, tiny undos, slight nudges and small nods to gently tweak our yin-yang balance! 

Everything under the sun

By creating room, embracing impermanence, exercising affirmations and shifting habitual viewpoints, we can find a better balance in our lives. Exploring the power of the SUNNY side can lead to valuable insights.

Space                 -make room

Undos               -embrace the temporary

Nods                  -practice affirmations

Nudges              -shift perspective

Yin-Yang            -balance opposites

The solar eclipse experience was a reminder of the importance of making space in our lives for not just the extraordinary, but even the ordinary. In the midst of our busy, technology-driven lives, it can be all too easy to get caught up and overlook the wonder that surrounds us. But by taking the time to step back and making room for such moments of awe and wonder, we can tap into a deeper well of inspiration and creativity that lies within us; inspiration and creativity that the world so needs. This space can also allow us to break free from the noise of daily life and connect with our inner selves – it is within this space that we can find clarity, recharge our energy, and prepare for new beginnings.

The fleeting nature of the total solar eclipse also served as a powerful reminder of the impermanence of all things, good and bad. Just as the moon's shadow passed quickly across the face of the sun, many of the things we hold dear in life are transitory and ephemeral. By learning to embrace this impermanence, we can cultivate a greater sense of flexibility and resilience in the face of change. We often cling to familiar patterns, feelings and beliefs that may no longer serve us. Undoing our limitations can reveal aspects of ourselves that we may have overlooked or underestimated and encourage us to think differently.

Throughout the eclipse, I found myself experiencing small moments of affirmation that reinforced my sense of connection to the world around me. Be it my own emotions, or the collective gasp from the crowd as the eclipse reached its peak and the smiles exchanged with strangers sharing the experience – there was a sense of unity that permeated the atmosphere. These were powerful reminders of our interconnectedness and shared humanity. By staying open to the small affirmations that surround us, we can cultivate a greater sense of gratitude and belonging thereby tapping into a sense of joy and contentment.

As the eclipse unfolded, there was a subtle shift in perspective and while shadows played games, colors presented themselves with totally different hues. With the sudden dimming of the sky there was a profound realization that virtually everything we behold is beholden to the sun.  And during totality the way the world seemed to hold its breath all served as gentle reminder to see things in a new light. Even in totality there was light. These nudges, small changes, can be powerful catalysts for personal growth and transformation – guiding us in new directions so we can break free from old habits and patterns to see and explore new possibilities.

While the sun shines

Perhaps the most profound lesson from the solar eclipse was the importance of embracing the yin-yang of existence. The interplay of light and dark, sun and moon, and day and night that occurs during an eclipse is a powerful metaphor for the contradictory forces that shape our lives. In Eastern philosophies opposites are not in conflict, but rather are complementary and interconnected. The celestial dance of the heavenly bodies during the total eclipse is a great reminder to embrace the dualities and contrasts in our own lives.

By finding harmony amidst the tension of opposites, such as work and rest, logic and intuition, or individuality and community, we can cultivate a sense of wholeness and inner peace. By learning to embrace the yin-yang of existence, we can find balance in the midst of life's challenges and contradictions.

May we all cultivate a greater sense of awe, wonder, and connection to the world around us.

And when we navigate the demons of darkness, may we all remember to look for the SUNNY side of totality, and to find light and beauty in the most unexpected of places, day after day, after day.