Neil deGrasse Tyson, the great American astrophysicist, knows what he is talking about when he asserts that the Universe is in us, – indeed more -, he really says that we are the Universe. And it is not hyperbole, because we are made of the same atoms that stars are made of: carbon, oxygen and nitrogen. Those atoms, the scientist explains, in fact come from the stars.
Without having the knowledge of Tyson, I believe that each of us, in our life, has experienced – at least on some occasions – the exhilarating sensation of being part of the Whole.
As a nature photographer, I consider myself lucky, indeed I would say privileged, to be able to experience this extraordinary perception, which becomes true awareness in particular situations, rare but not too much, such as that of the photo. The Sibyl mountains are cloaked in mystery and are able to emotionally involve those who frequent them like few other places. The light of this dawn from a few years ago is an example of those rare combinations of natural elements that seem to happen to stimulate our sense of wonder, our astonishment and reflections on our role on this Planet and in the Universe.
It is no coincidence that, even after some time, that experience remains so deeply etched in my mind.
It is especially so in these dark and difficult days, which we live with bated breath, oppressed by dark visions, of a completely different nature.
Beauty will save the world only if we, humans, are able to save her.