by 
In our daily lives, it’s easy to get caught up in the minutiae of our existence—our jobs, relationships, ambitions, politics, and even minor inconveniences that disrupt our routines. Yet, when we take a step back and consider the grand scale of the universe, a humbling realization dawns: we are incredibly small and insignificant in the grand scheme of things.
The universe is really big with its billions of galaxies, each containing billions of stars and planets. The Earth, of course, is just one small planet in a solar system that is itself part of a galaxy, the Milky Way, which is but one of countless others. This scale is difficult to comprehend.
Carl Sagan, the renowned astrophysicist, eloquently captured this sentiment in his famous Pale Blue Dot speech. He described Earth as “a mote of dust suspended in a sunbeam,” highlighting how tiny our world is in the context of the cosmos.
Yet, I see this insignificance as only one side of the coin. On the other side lies the abundance that showers our existence. Despite our smallness in the universe, our lives are filled with moments, relationships, and experiences that are profoundly meaningful. The beauty of a sunset, the warmth of a loved one’s embrace, the laughter at one of my bad jokes, the thrill of racing a rally stage—these are all aspects of our lives that hold immense value to me.
In a way, our insignificance on a cosmic scale magnifies the value of these experiences. The very fact that we are small and fleeting in the grand scheme of things makes the richness of our lives all the more remarkable. It is a paradox: we are both insignificant and profoundly significant at the same time. I often muse at how fortunate I have been to be born at this time in this country, with these resources. It all makes me infinitely grateful.
To be grateful for this abundance is to acknowledge the gift of existence itself. Life, in all its complexity and unpredictability, is a miracle. The odds of our very existence are astronomically low; yet here we are, capable of thought, emotion, and connection.
I don’t think gratitude is about denying the challenges and hardships. Rather, it is about recognizing that, despite these challenges, we have much to be thankful for. It is about seeing the glass as half full—not because we are naive, but because we understand that life’s very fullness is a rare and precious cosmic accident.
Consider the simple joys of life: a home-cooked meal, a walk in nature, a conversation with a friend. These things that we might take for granted are, in fact, the gift of abundance. We live in a world where we have access to food, shelter, companionship, and countless other comforts. This is not something everyone in the world can say, and it is worth pausing to appreciate these blessings.
I was recently on a bucket list trip to Alaska and eventually British Columbia and Alberta, in Canada. These trips seem to always bring out these themes for me: insignificance and gratitude.
I am totally humbled by looking up while flying around Denali, Alaska. It reminds me that we are part of something much larger than ourselves, and this perspective can help me let go of the ego-driven concerns that often interrupt my day. When my Learner/Researcher can embrace humility (and I seem to spend vacation time in my L/R), I open myself up to gratitude because I stop expecting the world to revolve around me and I start seeing the beauty in the world as it is. I become a sponge for new data, new beauty. Insignificance coupled with gratitude is working for me right now.
In the end, while our lives may be brief and our impact limited on a geologic scale, how we conduct our short time here matters.
We may be small in the universe, but we are significant in the lives we touch and the love we share. By acknowledging both my insignificance and my abundance, I can find peace and fulfillment in the fleeting beauty of existence. The mountain, then the moose, then the river, and then the sunset.
I want to be this present when I’m back on the treadmill.
