What the Eclipse Shows Us About Ecological Belonging
On Monday, April 8, 2024, the Great North American Eclipse was a beautiful moment of natural wonder and connection spanning from Mexico to Canada and across the United States. Viewers from around the globe watched livestreams of the natural phenomenon in a state of absolute awe.
What does the eclipse show us about humanity and our innate sense of connection? What is the relational impact of an event like this one?
This global event speaks so much to the importance of positive and hopeful moments among humanity and the natural world. It also speaks to the impact of a positive and connecting social experience among and between humanity and each other.
An eclipse is a direct embodiment of our planet in relationship with other celestial bodies.
This event sparked conversations that went beyond simply what’s going wrong or right with the natural world — an eclipse quite literally merges and shades (adds grayness) to a seemingly otherwise black-and-white conversation. No matter where you are in the world, or the perspective you hold, this eclipse shed light on the inherent connection between us and our shared gaze and perspective as a human species.
Janna Levin, an astrophysicist, remarked this on the day of the eclipse about its momentous importance:
“It's a reminder that whatever else is going on, on the world, whatever else human beings try so hard to control, technologically, politically philosophically, that we are really on this planet in a solar system, and we are still subject to those forces, which are so far beyond our control. But instead of feeling sort of disappointment about that, we should actually celebrate that we're in this together. And it's a reminder that we, as a species, share this ability to reflect on where we are in the wider cosmic scheme of things.”
