A Firework’s Perspective of the Total Solar Eclipse

Today there was a sunset and sunrise on a regular Monday afternoon.

Today was the day of the Solar Eclipse. What an intriguing sight. What a memorable experience.

I stepped outside of my office building into the humid August air, settled on the warm concrete curb and waited for the big moment. At this point we could already view a partial eclipse with our handy dandy Eclipse Shades but it was the total eclipse that everyone was clamoring to see.

As the partial eclipse grew closer to the point of totality, it began to create a unique, dull light that made me feel like I was living in an Instagram filter.

I noticed others in the downtown area putting their work on pause and stepping outside to take part in the event. A few blocks away I heard an exuberant voice say “Wow, it’s getting dark!”

As the daylight grew dimmer, the sounds of the whistling birds turned into the humming of nocturnal insects. Street lights began to flicker on. The downtown skyline took on warm, colorful hues. The hustle and bustle of our progressive little community seemed to relax for a bit in the midst of the beginning of the work week.

I took a deep breath to soak up the calm stillness and I wondered, “What happens when something blocks our vibrant sparks?”

It’s not like the sun had much of a choice regarding the moon’s affect on it’s vibrancy in this moment but we do have a choice.  What happens when we allow an external force to diminish our true spirit and gifts we bring to the world?

First of all, we get to choose whether we allow anyone or any circumstance diminish our attitude, motivation and contribution. Consider this…

The sun is a powerful force. It provides the energy that keeps our world growing and thriving.

Our unique spirits are powerful forces as well.

They are what add diversity, creativity and innovation to our world. Without each individual’s unique experiences and perspectives, this would be an incredibly dull and lifeless world to live in.

Sharing a bit of our true, authentic selves, like the sun was able to do during the partial eclipse, still brings light to this world. Allowing ourselves to shine in totality will add the vibrancy that our world needs from each of us.

The excitement and rarity of the total solar eclipse taking place in our country brought people together. There was unity in moments when we were all looking up into our atmosphere’s glory and letting ourselves be in awe of the occurrence. In that moment, there was no judgement. No hate.

Imagine if those moments took place each and every day. If we all took the time to honor, support and empower each person’s unique spirit and spark they bring to this world.

Some declared their eclipse experience was eerie. I found it to be peaceful and refreshing. That sunset and sunrise in the middle of the day was a reminder that our world needs our fireworks.