One of my favorite places on the web, http://www.brainpickings.org, recently shared an article by Maria Popova featuring the “Pale Blue Dot” (Carl Sagan) photograph of Earth taken by Voyager, and Maya Angelou’s poem “A Brave and Startling Truth.” This article impacted me in multiple ways. First, my ego experienced a shock wave caused by Voyager’s photograph. Second, it reminded me of Jason Silva’s comment on a cognitive transformation astronauts undergo called the “overview effect” in his video “Beyond Anxiety and Depression” (approx. 1:45-2:50).

Lastly, it encouraged me to be more grateful and work harder at creating good.

Complete peace within this “Pale Blue Dot” may be unattainable, but Maya Angelou offers reassuring proof that some peace and some good exists, in addition to the miraculous ability to create more. As you go through your week, may you witness more of the world’s beauty,

https://twitter.com/dearcollectress/status/1038281294260592640

and may it inspire you to continue to nurture and protect it. Read Maria Popova’s (Brainpickings) article on Maya Angelou’s “A Brave and Startling Truth” here.