Posted by Jim Erhardt on August 15, 2009 at 6:56 AM
As usual, I was up before dawn this morning. Usually, after breakfast I go online to check NPN e-mail and then get ready to make my daily commute to work. But today is Saturday and I decided instead to go sit outside and watch the sun rise.
As I sat there in the darkness, I looked up at the countless stars, realizing that some of those stars may be someone elses' suns. I wondered how many, in some distant place, were doing the same. I am always awed by the distances involved – both in physical space and the time it would take to cover those distances. Truly, the scale of our existence is beyond human comprehension.
In the scope of this unimaginably big picture, I begin to realize that what we do every day as part of our routine, both as individuals and as a race of sentient beings on planet Earth, is so insignificant. Yet at the same time, what we do today, both as individuals and as a world-wide family is so vitally important to our future survival.
Happy sunrise to you all, and may you feel a sense of worthy accomplishment when the day is done.
It is nice to break the routine now and then. Good morning Jim... enjoy your day!
Posted by Wayne Rhodus on August 15, 2009 at 8:20 AM
Good morning Jim. Nothing like welcoming the new day by witnessing the time honored tradition of the sun rising. Thanks for sharing your insight with us today.
As for me I do hope that the end of the day will bring a worthy sense of accomplishment. I am hosting a basic photography workshop today with two other talented photographers for a group of 26 eager to learn amateur photographers!
If I'm successful, the students will also end the day with a worthy sense of accomplishment and a budding passion for nature photography.
Jim: There is something magical about the dawn whether it be in the mountains watching a spectacular light show or on a suburban patio just listening to the birds and neighborhood awaken. May the rest of your day reveal its own wonders. >=))>
PS: Just noticed the NPN clock is running a bit fast this morning .
Posted by Jim Sabiston on August 15, 2009 at 10:52 AM
Jim,
Good morning! Watching the occasional sunrise should be a required activity for all. I find it is a superb way to reset ones perspective and priorities.I've seen several thousand in my time.
As a long time fan of astronomy, I share your wonder of the vast scope of the universe and the possibilities it holds.
Posted by Keith Bauer on August 15, 2009 at 11:37 AM
Jim:
Your words are so eloquent about our little place in the universe. Sunrise is the best part of the day. It always amazes me just how fast it seems to rise as we begin another day in the rotation of the earth.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Posted by Brad Mangas on August 15, 2009 at 1:22 PM
Our emotions, thoughts and feelings are most difficult to explain in words. Setting under the canopy of boundless stars and sky does make one reflect in a very personal way. A wonderful way to start any day of our life, no matter how important or insignificant one may imagine we are.
Have a wonderful day Jim.
Posted by Hali Sowle on August 15, 2009 at 3:43 PM
What a wonderful way to start your day. It's so nice to take a step away from the morning routine and think outside yourself and outside the day to day aspects of life. Thanks for sharing it as well. I hope your day continues as wonderful as it started.
Jim, very nice and well stated sentiment. A few months ago I was discussing with one of my medical colleagues the travels and photography my wife and I have been fortunate to do over the years. I described how Gail and I often get to a location early for Sunrise and are at another location at Sunset waiting for the right light. He reminded me how lucky we are that we get to spend time together, sometimes out in the middle of nowhere just sitting and enjoying nature and the sights.
He is right. The opportunity you made to just sit and enjoy is the best way to recharge your batteries and put things into perspective.
Thanks for sharing and reminding all of us how the simple things are often the most important ones.
Posted by Don George on August 15, 2009 at 9:11 PM
Jim, Isn't it great when we take the time to actually observe nature. When I'm camping in the field for an extended period I take an occasional day off from shooting and just enjoy the environment I'm in. I soak in the sounds and colors of nature and just enjoy creation for what it is. We are like a grain of sand compared to the rest of the universe. It certainly is awesome!!!
You'd be right at home in our yard watching the sun rise out of the ocean. Hope you can make it sometime.
How do you take your coffee?
Posted by Todd Caudle on August 17, 2009 at 10:59 AM
You left out the first two words, Jim: "Dear Diary..."
No, I totally agree. I used to contemplate the universe on a regular basis when I was younger, but now I often have to force myself to do it -- usually when I'm standing beside my truck or tent in the middle of nowhere. Last week's meteor shower kicked me back into contemplation mode, though.
Discussion
11 repliesAs I sat there in the darkness, I looked up at the countless stars, realizing that some of those stars may be someone elses' suns. I wondered how many, in some distant place, were doing the same. I am always awed by the distances involved – both in physical space and the time it would take to cover those distances. Truly, the scale of our existence is beyond human comprehension.
In the scope of this unimaginably big picture, I begin to realize that what we do every day as part of our routine, both as individuals and as a race of sentient beings on planet Earth, is so insignificant. Yet at the same time, what we do today, both as individuals and as a world-wide family is so vitally important to our future survival.
Happy sunrise to you all, and may you feel a sense of worthy accomplishment when the day is done.
As for me I do hope that the end of the day will bring a worthy sense of accomplishment. I am hosting a basic photography workshop today with two other talented photographers for a group of 26 eager to learn amateur photographers!
If I'm successful, the students will also end the day with a worthy sense of accomplishment and a budding passion for nature photography.
PS: Just noticed the NPN clock is running a bit fast this morning
Good morning! Watching the occasional sunrise should be a required activity for all. I find it is a superb way to reset ones perspective and priorities.I've seen several thousand in my time.
As a long time fan of astronomy, I share your wonder of the vast scope of the universe and the possibilities it holds.
Your words are so eloquent about our little place in the universe. Sunrise is the best part of the day. It always amazes me just how fast it seems to rise as we begin another day in the rotation of the earth.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Have a wonderful day Jim.
He is right. The opportunity you made to just sit and enjoy is the best way to recharge your batteries and put things into perspective.
Thanks for sharing and reminding all of us how the simple things are often the most important ones.
How do you take your coffee?
No, I totally agree. I used to contemplate the universe on a regular basis when I was younger, but now I often have to force myself to do it -- usually when I'm standing beside my truck or tent in the middle of nowhere. Last week's meteor shower kicked me back into contemplation mode, though.