Lessons from the stars

Tonight, under the vast, velvety sky of the Rockies, I found myself in one of the darkest corners of this majestic mountain range, where the stars seemed to hang low, twinkling with a brilliance that city lights often hide. We took advantage of this natural wonder and engaged in mindful stargazing, allowing ourselves to be fully present in the moment, immersed in the beauty and stillness of the night.

As I sat there, wrapped in the quiet embrace of the mountains, I was struck by the realization that these stars, these magnificent points of light, are always there—present even when we cannot see them. They exist in the same space we do, but it’s only when we step away from the noise, the distractions, and the artificial light of our daily lives that we can truly witness their brilliance. The longer we sat, the more stars revealed themselves, filling the sky with a breathtaking display that left me in awe.

This experience got me thinking about the parallels between the stars and my meditation practice. Much like the stars, our thoughts, emotions, and inner truths are always there, existing beneath the surface of our conscious awareness. But just as the stars are hidden by the brightness of day or the lights of the city, our inner landscape can be obscured by the busyness and noise of life.

Meditation, for me, is like finding my way to that dark, quiet space in the Rockies—an opportunity to turn off the noise and allow what’s been hidden to come into view. As we sit in stillness, bringing our awareness inward, we begin to notice thoughts and feelings that we may have been too busy to acknowledge. At first, it might seem like there’s nothing there, just the quiet void. But as we stay with the practice, with patience and curiosity, more begins to emerge. The stars of our inner cosmos start to shine, illuminating parts of ourselves that we may not have seen before.

This process isn’t always easy. Sometimes what comes into view isn’t comfortable or convenient. But if we can stay curious, if we can meet these revelations with a sense of wonder rather than judgment, the experience can be profoundly beautiful. It’s in this quiet, mindful exploration that we can discover the richness of who we truly are, beyond the surface-level distractions.

So tonight, as I reflect on the stars and the insights they inspired, I encourage you to stay curious and mindful. Whether you’re gazing at the night sky or sitting in meditation, know that there is always more to discover—both in the world around you and within yourself.

Sending you love, my friends. Stay curious and keep exploring.