the overview effect
an
article caught my eye awhile back which described a sort of euphoric epiphany felt by astronauts who have visited outer space, typically experienced while viewing the Earth from orbit. these feelings have been compared to LSD trips and the meditating Buddhist's aspired state of mind- feelings of oneness with the universe, being emotionally awakened by a passing moment where every aspect of life is completely comprehensible. here are some quotes from a few astronauts who have reported experiencing this:
Edgar Mitchell: Without warning, he says, a feeing of bliss, timelessness, and connectedness began to overwhelm him…becoming instantly and profoundly aware that each of his constituent atoms were connected to the fragile planet he saw in the window and to every other atom in the Universe. He described experiencing an intense awareness that Earth, with its humans, other animal species, and systems were all one synergistic whole. *
Rusty Schweikart: “When you go around the Earth in an hour and a half, you begin to recognize that your identity is with that whole thing. That makes a change…it comes through to you so powerfully that you’re the sensing element for Man.”
Tom Jones: “My overwhelming sense was of Earth's uniqueness as a harbor for life. As a resident of this world, it's impossible not to see it now as a place both graced and threatened by mankind," Jones said. "Becoming a space traveler nearly inescapably makes one an advocate for careful stewardship of our environment.”
do you believe we're all more connected than we appear to be, or allow ourselves to feel? do you think this phenomenon is a result of the overwhelmed mind (being in the presence of the universe would be inordinately surreal, i imagine), or a genuine sort of rapturous realization that points to something beyond the reality we understand? do you think this euphoria could be achievable on earth, or something you'd have to experience physically outside of earth's existence?
discuss