As a pilot, I enjoy movies about aviation and space. Alan Bean, an Apollo 12 astronaut and the fourth man to walk on the moon, was interviewed in the captivating docudrama, From the Earth to The Moon.
Bean recounts his time in space. What really resonated with me was his realization about planet Earth. He recalls while on the moon and looking back at Earth, that it was just “floating out there in the void, seemingly so fragile, yet so beautiful.”
Although there were significant conflicts occurring on the planet during that time, namely the Vietnam war and Civil Rights movement in the United States, Bean experienced a profound awe and appreciation for the planet while realizing the futility of human conflict. When he returned, Bean found he had a new love and appreciation for people and just liked to go to the shopping mall to sit and be among the them.
Bean said, “How could we ever complain about the weather? We live in the garden of Eden! The whole earth is the Garden of Eden!”
Living day to day, it is easy to miss the incredible beauty that is around us from the micro perspective of a flower, an animal or a tree to the macro perspective of a sunrise, sunset, or the night sky. Look at the teaming life on our planet! If you take a moment to contemplate it, isn’t it incredible?
Consider taking the time to appreciate the beauty that is around you. I have found the appreciation feels good!
I agree with Alan Bean and believe the search for the Garden of Eden can be called off. You are in it!
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