My Obsession With Space
I was born without a left brain. Don’t feel too bad because I’d like the think that my right brain makes up for it, but the fact is that it’s a cruel joke played on me by the universe. I have this incredible fascination with space and time and energy, and yet not one single brain cell of mine is remotely capable of the mathematical computations required to be the astrophysicist that I was OBVIOUSLY meant to be. That said, I am seriously addicted to any and all shows about space and the creation of the universe and I worship at the altar of National Geographic, the Discovery Channel and the supreme astro-geek Neal deGrasse Tyson. If there was a Space Channel, I might never leave the house.
Which brings me to a question. Have you ever noticed that when you watch shows about the universe and hear the myriad of ways we can be offed in a fiery billionth of second, that the scientists are always happy and smiling and downright giddy? This amazes me. I mean, is it because they understand that our go-around is infinitesimally small and so nothing we do really matters? Is it because they’re uniquely qualified to contemplate all of the cool things going on in the vastness of the cosmos? Is it the thrill of possibly finding life on other planets? Or, do they just take a LOT of drugs. I think it’s because they spend their days dealing with stuff that is so filled with herculean awe that they can’t help but be happy.
It should be depressing, but it’s not. And I totally agree and just wish that I could be one of them. These are people who spend their lives exploring and studying and doing the math that explains the beginnings of life and solves the ultimate existential riddle of "what's it all about?" I'll tell you what. It’s about respect and reverence and gratitude for the mystery of creation. And it reminds me that life is short and instead of mourning my lack of a left brain I should be very grateful for the gift of my right brain and it’s creative firepower. And know that creation is a miraculous thing to be blessed with, on this or any other planet.