The photos are stunning. So are your words. BUT I am in the “opportunity cost” camp of those who feel the $ could be better spent. How many could be fed, cared for, etc? As Marvin Gaye sang, “rockets, moonshots / spend it on the have-nots.” Or Bob Marley: “They’re sailing in their ego trip / blast off on their space ship / million miles from reality / don’t care for you don’t care for me.” There are many more examples, but the moral message is clear enough. Thank you.
Steve, I appreciate you sharing this perspective and the lyrics from Marvin Gaye and Bob Marley—they are powerful reminders of the very real needs we have here on the ground. For me, the value of these missions isn't just in the science, but in their ability to remind us of our shared humanity. However, you’re absolutely right that the ultimate goal must be to apply that same ingenuity and resources to caring for one another on Earth.
Ingrid, thank you for the kind words. It really is a choice we have to make, especially when things feel heavy. I’m so glad the piece reached you at just the right moment.
As I read your post, I began to think of the moments in time where community longing for connection deeply moved me — Minneapolis after Prince died, Minneapolis gathering after riots to help clean up communities and provide resources, driveway celebrations during COVID, and the people of MN coming together to protect their rights.
I began to wonder…
We live in a world where human connections compete with advancing technology quicker than we can learn the tools.
Many of my peers are often working long hours with an RTO mandate only to take meetings with coworkers in front of a screen. Then they sit in long commutes with only just enough time at home for dinner and bedtime routines.
In a society where high cost of living demands more income, how do we bypass that noise just enough to allow time for connections?
Why does connection only seem prevalent when tragedies occur only for us to return to our usual routine not too long after?
How do we encourage a societal mindset shift to prioritize connection?
Mia, you’ve put your finger on such a vital challenge. We’ve built a society where 'the routine' often leaves no room for the very thing—connection—that makes the routine worth it. I don’t think there’s a simple answer, but I believe the shift starts with recognizing that connection isn't a 'luxury' we fit in after work; it’s a biological necessity for our health. I’m looking forward to exploring how we can practically 'bypass that noise' more in future posts.
Such beautiful writing. Words I will remember. Thank you !
I've also been thinking deeply about why our society is struggling so much to find meaning and connection. Obviously there are many, if not infinite, reasons. But a big one for me comes from the way we've designed our homes and our communities. We've designed them for independence and profit, instead of community, connection and wellbeing. But I also believe we can change that. And I have a possible solution with a project I've called Alluma - Regenerative Communities (www.alluma.life). I would love your feedback / conversation if this is of interest to you. I'm looking to collaborate with people with different backgrounds and perspectives to turn this idea into a reality.
Love this post. So full of heart. Thank you for sharing. It's been a while since the astronauts returned home but I keep thinking about two phrases over and over again -- moon joy and collective effervescence.
Beautiful message, thank you. Connect > distance! This mission around the moon brought our shared humanity, a common sense of patriotism, and the promise of human ingenuity.
the image of strangers in living rooms praying for four people they'd never met and then erupting when the parachutes opened - that's the reminder that our capacity for collective joy and care isn't broken. it's just waiting for something worth gathering around.
Linda, it’s so good to have you here! I’m deeply grateful that Together resonated with you. While I don’t have another book quite yet, this Substack has become a wonderful way for me to keep exploring those same themes of connection with all of you in real-time.
Thank you for your essay, although I can't go with the sentiment that we choose Earth. In my Christian world view we accept with humble gratitude to God for the gift of our beautiful planet and stars above. We've been given 2 books, the Bible and the Book of Nature. I'm grateful to NASA and scientists worldwide for furthering our knowledge of the incredible universe. I loved the Artemis photo from the dark side of the moon!
The photos are stunning. So are your words. BUT I am in the “opportunity cost” camp of those who feel the $ could be better spent. How many could be fed, cared for, etc? As Marvin Gaye sang, “rockets, moonshots / spend it on the have-nots.” Or Bob Marley: “They’re sailing in their ego trip / blast off on their space ship / million miles from reality / don’t care for you don’t care for me.” There are many more examples, but the moral message is clear enough. Thank you.
Steve, I appreciate you sharing this perspective and the lyrics from Marvin Gaye and Bob Marley—they are powerful reminders of the very real needs we have here on the ground. For me, the value of these missions isn't just in the science, but in their ability to remind us of our shared humanity. However, you’re absolutely right that the ultimate goal must be to apply that same ingenuity and resources to caring for one another on Earth.
Love this V!!! This came at just the right moment! We choose hope and we choose eachother ❤️
Ingrid, thank you for the kind words. It really is a choice we have to make, especially when things feel heavy. I’m so glad the piece reached you at just the right moment.
As I read your post, I began to think of the moments in time where community longing for connection deeply moved me — Minneapolis after Prince died, Minneapolis gathering after riots to help clean up communities and provide resources, driveway celebrations during COVID, and the people of MN coming together to protect their rights.
I began to wonder…
We live in a world where human connections compete with advancing technology quicker than we can learn the tools.
Many of my peers are often working long hours with an RTO mandate only to take meetings with coworkers in front of a screen. Then they sit in long commutes with only just enough time at home for dinner and bedtime routines.
In a society where high cost of living demands more income, how do we bypass that noise just enough to allow time for connections?
Why does connection only seem prevalent when tragedies occur only for us to return to our usual routine not too long after?
How do we encourage a societal mindset shift to prioritize connection?
Mia, you’ve put your finger on such a vital challenge. We’ve built a society where 'the routine' often leaves no room for the very thing—connection—that makes the routine worth it. I don’t think there’s a simple answer, but I believe the shift starts with recognizing that connection isn't a 'luxury' we fit in after work; it’s a biological necessity for our health. I’m looking forward to exploring how we can practically 'bypass that noise' more in future posts.
Such beautiful writing. Words I will remember. Thank you !
I've also been thinking deeply about why our society is struggling so much to find meaning and connection. Obviously there are many, if not infinite, reasons. But a big one for me comes from the way we've designed our homes and our communities. We've designed them for independence and profit, instead of community, connection and wellbeing. But I also believe we can change that. And I have a possible solution with a project I've called Alluma - Regenerative Communities (www.alluma.life). I would love your feedback / conversation if this is of interest to you. I'm looking to collaborate with people with different backgrounds and perspectives to turn this idea into a reality.
Great points, Mia. I call that ‘the squeeze.’ You might like this new post: “You're Being Squeezed from Every Direction
See the structure. Drop the self-blame. Claim your next move.” https://paultshattuck.substack.com/p/youre-being-squeezed-from-every-direction
Thank you! This is a lovely piece.
Love this post. So full of heart. Thank you for sharing. It's been a while since the astronauts returned home but I keep thinking about two phrases over and over again -- moon joy and collective effervescence.
Thank you for this heartfelt reminder of what matters most as we work together to get through these tough times. 🙏🏼
Beautiful message, thank you. Connect > distance! This mission around the moon brought our shared humanity, a common sense of patriotism, and the promise of human ingenuity.
the image of strangers in living rooms praying for four people they'd never met and then erupting when the parachutes opened - that's the reminder that our capacity for collective joy and care isn't broken. it's just waiting for something worth gathering around.
“Our instinct — to care, to hope, to rejoice together — is not gone. It is very much alive.
We just have to choose it.
Every day. Every moment.”
Great post. Thanks for sharing!
I read your first book, Together. We need another book from you. We are so grateful you are on Substack 💙
Linda, it’s so good to have you here! I’m deeply grateful that Together resonated with you. While I don’t have another book quite yet, this Substack has become a wonderful way for me to keep exploring those same themes of connection with all of you in real-time.
Thank you for your essay, although I can't go with the sentiment that we choose Earth. In my Christian world view we accept with humble gratitude to God for the gift of our beautiful planet and stars above. We've been given 2 books, the Bible and the Book of Nature. I'm grateful to NASA and scientists worldwide for furthering our knowledge of the incredible universe. I loved the Artemis photo from the dark side of the moon!
https://youtu.be/8xZf3fwmFD4?feature=shared
🙏☺️💟