The above quote from Thomas Pynchon has been incredibly influential to me. I think of it more quickly, more easily, and more often than most other quotes I know. Its message is so simple and straightforward, yet the more I think about it, the more it affects how I look at life. Sometimes it’ll come to mind when I’m seeing one distraction after another fly by on my Facebook newsfeed. Other times I’ll remember it in the middle of a rant about something that’s gotten me hot under the collar. In any event, it always makes me pause and examine my approach to whatever I’m doing at the time.
There is so much fluff in modern life. So many things that are not only completely unnecessary but actually prevent us from focusing on things that matter. As long as enough people can be misdirected into paying attention to irrelevant things as if they are important, they can be prevented from taking effective action to make the world better. Some of this misdirection is intentional and some is mere happenstance. Either way, it’s a problem. Fortunately, there is a solution.
Astronauts have talked about the perspective shift that occurs when they’ve gone to space and seen the Earth from orbit. This phenomenon, called the overview effect, gives them a sense of connection to everyone on Earth and shows them their place in the universe. As a result, they quickly become aware of what is truly important and can see through most of the blinders intended to keep us in the dark. It’s the ultimate example of zooming out and seeing the big picture without anything trivial obscuring the view. This new perspective isn’t limited to just their time in space as it stays with them even after they’ve returned to Earth.
We can experience this same perspective shift without ever leaving the planet. Meditation is one way to get it. I’ve felt that sense of connection and love for all beings a handful of times in deep meditative states. Floating also offers an excellent chance to experience the overview effect. In addition to the calming effects of floating, the pods provide a feeling of weightlessness that removes all tension from the body and simulates being in space, allowing one to feel totally at peace with life, the universe, and everything. These are two ways I’ve found to experience this higher perspective and I’m sure there are many others. I like taking a big-picture view of things at least a few times a week. It helps me avoid the fluff, remember what’s truly important, and make sure I’m asking the right questions. If enough of us keep those three things in check, then we’ll all have a lot to look forward to in the years to come.