What’s your response to the night sky?

“Wow, that’s gorgeous.”

I wish I had known that was possible, even for someone like me.

If you go outside on a clear night and look up at the sky, what happens next? Any of these responses familiar?

When stuck in the depths of despair, I didn’t usually look up at the night sky. On the off chance I did, I was reminded of my meaningless, measly life within the meaningless, massive universe. It was better not to look up.

Years later, I still think it’s strange how different it is now.

That’s me with a “Wow, gorgeous” reaction now (most of the time).

If my response is meaningless or dumb, I know I have work to do. Maybe I’m checked out or dissociated, maybe I’ve been accumulating anger, or maybe I’ve been surviving a storm of too many difficulties. Time to increase my mindful body movement and turn inward. What have I been avoiding? What needs to come to the surface? What do I need?

I used to not know anything other than the Land of Meaningless and Dumb. Now I know it can be different—it can be different for all of us—and I can get there by paying attention to my body more.

If you’re in the meaningless camp and don’t want to give it up, I get it. I still think it’s true—there is no reason for the sky or me to exist. It’s still meaningless, but that isn’t my reaction anymore. I love the night sky, and I love being alive under it.

Wherever you are under the night sky, may you be moving in the direction of loving both too. Gorgeous.

Complement with A Body and Checked Out.