The indigenous cultures believe that the eclipse is a sacred experience to pray and focus on the sun and moon in a cycle of death. The solar eclipse represents death and renewal. Headlines leading up to today’s event were a mixture of fear and spectacle. There was an exceptionalism assigned because the continental United States would be witnessing this event. An ordinary regular event that occurs in 18 month intervals was marketed as a once in a lifetime experience.

Eyes will be skyward to our star today while humanity takes a break from fighting and division. People will gather outside to witness nature and our heavens as they remind us of the complexities of creation. This moment is what is worthy of celebrating. Humanity leaving behind fear and celebrating each other and our place on this planet.

Four months into the new year and 2024 feels like it is just getting started. The news stories are ramping up for another election, there are advances in technology that deserve our attention, and there are major issues to debate for the betterment of society. Connecting with one another over something that can unite us may assist us in listening to one another in the future.

In Israel, the IDF is withdrawing from Gaza. This comes at the same time as support from the Biden administration and democrats is waning. The United States has awakened to the reality that they were providing missiles to kill the same people they were sending humanitarian aid to in Gaza. The hypocrisy has been long pointed out, but with the recent bombing that killed aid workers, the administration has been forced to rethink their strategy.

Perhaps the eclipse mindset can begin to create more thought and togetherness than division.