Expand Your Awareness, See the Big Picture

Much of our lives nowadays are increasingly preoccupied with small-scale micromanagement of information and control of information technologies like email, instant messaging, cellphones. In order to keep track of this vast information flow we often end up multitasking: doing lots of separate tasks at the same time. Recent research shows that we only hold a maximum of four separate things in our minds at once (New Scientist, April 7^th, 2007) . Yet, many of us try to do even more than that. This can cause a loss of perspective, context, and holistic thinking. Our attention becomes fragmented and we can potentially lose our deeper connection to our subconscious mind and non-local awareness. We face the danger of losing sight of the bigger picture and our relationship to the larger environment. We become like race horses with blinders on. Focusing on small-scale events, without seeing the macrocosm, can lead to a loss of perspective, an overinflated idea of the importance of detail, and a preoccupation with trivia. Once in while, take time to see the big picture. Use your imagination to see your place in the whole universe.

Seeing the bigger picture isn't something you actually “see.” It's more of a feeling of connection, an inner knowingness which is often in short supply these days. In the works of Carlos Castaneda, his mentor Don Juan Matus often talks about “stopping the world:” that is, stopping the voices of our inner dialog. By quieting our “monkey mind,” the chattering voices in our heads, we can regain a sense of wonder, mystery, and awe. Deeper perception requires stillness, like the quiet waters of a lake reflecting the image of the moon.

One exercise I like to do is to attempt to imagine my geographical place on the Earth as it spins around the solar system. Imagine that you can see yourself and the planet spinning around at the same time. This can allow you to almost feel the motion of the Earth and the universe: to feel yourself moving, even though your eyes tell you that you are standing still. You can even imagine that you are on your own spaceship Earth hurtling through the cosmos at lightening speeds. By every count, we are moving in 11 different directions at once. We are nestled in a constellation of planets, stars, and galaxies. To see yourself in this vast cosmological nexus is the essence of planetary intelligence. By doing so, you can regain your cosmic heritage as an infinite being and galactic citizen.