Do you know the expression, “Blue Marble?”   It’s one that has rolled around in my awareness for years.  A quick trip to Wikipedia reveals its history ~ it’s an expression used for a remarkable photograph of our planet Earth taken by the astronauts of the Apollo 17 mission.    More than 30 years later, NASA put a significant update to the original photograph on their site, which can be seen today.

I bring up the “Blue Marble” because it’s linked in my awareness with the recognition that, from space, distinctions or divisions based on humanity’s propensity to create separation are not visible.  Certainly there are differences in landforms.  Clouds, oceans, and continents all are visible.  What is missing are political, economic, social, religious, or even species’ differences.   There is one planet, hanging in the deep velvet of space, and all upon it share in its fate.

The very few inhabitants of our planet who have traveled in space all mention the change in perspective viewing the planet from afar brings.  Many report transformative experiences.  Most return to the planet with a broader view of our inter-relatedness and connection with everyone and everything on the planet.

What we all can benefit from in contemplating the “Blue Marble” is to recognize that “We” the inhabitants, who collectively share a dwelling place on Earth, include expressions of Life more numerous than humans alone.   The planetary perspective speaks to partnership, co-operation, and co-creation by all Life.  Viewing all Life with respect, indeed even reverence, and making choices that honor all Life seems appropriate, given “We” are all here together.  

Consider the choices and energies that comprise a world where everything is shared, every inhabitant is valued and honored, the contributions of each one add to the benefit of all, and the beauty of the whole reflects that of every partner in Life.  These choices and energies are expansive and focus on what honors All That Is.  These choices and energies come from a “We” that includes all who inhabit the precious “Blue Marble” called Home.   Imagine a Home where We All are One.  And so it unfolds.

This entry was posted on Friday, September 26th, 2008 at 5:46 pm and is filed under Spirit In Everyday Life. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.