Several months ago, I read a scientist’s comment (I’m sorry, I can’t remember his name) that instead of saying that we live on planet Earth, it would be far more accurate to say that we live in planet Earth. The Earth isn’t just the ground beneath our feet. It is also the air that surrounds us, the layers of atmosphere arching over us, and the magnetic field extending from the interior of our world and flaring up and out around the planet, shielding us from the solar winds and charged particles.
Reading this actually stunned me. It was as if I had walked into a brick wall in my head. Just a switch of prepositions, but it brings about such a different perspective and feeling. When I run the thought, “I live in planet Earth” through my mind, I have a feeling almost as if I’m wrapped in a warm, snuggly blanket. Or maybe even a feeling similar to being in the womb – curled up, safe, warm, and protected.
It also gives me a feeling of connection. Regardless of how many kilometres may be between two people, they are both cells in this large organism we call Earth – an ocean of air flowing between them.