Planets
The planets Heal, Center, Learn, Grow and Transcend are the "inner planets." They reflect our inner, personal aspirations. Love, Laugh, Play, Share and Create reflect our interactions with the world outside ourselves, and are thus called the "outer planets."
Below is a brief description of each of the planets. Become a LuckyEarthling contributor and submit an essay, story, poem, photograph or other art dedicated to your favorite planet. Your contribution will be featured on that planet page, which you can access by clicking on any of the icons below.
Healing is often the beginning of the journey. Hand-in-hand it requires of us acknowledgement of a wound and a deep desire to be whole again. The journey of healing demands, if not self-love, then wholehearted acceptance of who we are at this moment in time. We may take these first steps on our own, and then seek support from friends, family or skilled practitioners. What is important is that we know it is time to act -- and in that active decision -- the healing has begun.
We may visualize 'center' as our center of gravity, that point from which physical balance emanates -- or as the core of our energetic being from which all spiritual intention is manifested. In 'center' we stand on our own, hearing our breath and remain calm. Many time-honored techniques and modalities can be employed to help us gain our footing on this critical planet. Present in our center, we can face any challenges with inner balance, strength and tranquility.
To learn is to stretch your awareness, to open your mind and your path to new information and ideas.
To grow is to move a step or two beyond your comfort zone. Your path turns forcibly into new, uncharted areas where challenge and risk are your companions. Luckily, they are also your cheering section, encouraging your push to expand your self concept in exciting ways you may not have anticipated.
Some would say that to transcend one's own nature is, by definition, unattainable; therefore impractical or even foolhardy to attempt. Yet, for those who feel its pull, transcendence is the place where true faith, magic and vision reside. Never mind that it is difficult and rarely achieved, the journey is the thing! We swear that at cherished points in our lives we have viewed its distant shores--we have soared into the mystic and ascended to the sublime. And though we cannot stay for long, we know--in the end--it is our true home.
Love begins with the self. As infants we are enamored of our own existence. Then the excitement of 'others' begins and the world expands with every connection. Learning to use our 'tools of the heart' is a lifelong process and without question the most important journey we will ever take.
How many lucky earthlings does it take to change a light bulb? Who cares, when the only light that matters comes from within! And if there is anything faster than the speed of light, it is laughter's riotous release of inner joy out onto the greater universe. So every lucky earthling knows that while all the other planets are oh-so-important, it is wise to take your daily dose of humor. We should never be too busy or self-absorbed to rejoice in the unusual, clever and inane. A tickle a day, keeps the blahs at bay, Visit this planet regularly and your gifts will be greater optimism and joy. And don't forget to give it back. It's win-win.
This planet is so important and so often forgotten! We exercise, we read the news, we try to eat right and get the proper amount of sleep...but WE FORGET TO PLAY! Wake up, LuckyEarthlings! We are brothers to the beavers AND the playful otters. Find your game and play EVERYDAY.
This planet is a journey in openness. Sharing elements of ourselves with others is an act based on trust. Though sharing of ourselves often feels like 'going out on a limb,' we ultimately find we have much in common with others on this journey of ours.
We are here to take our imaginings and turn them into reality. We have become a largely consuming society. We must take back our creativity! Pay attention to your creative whisperings and act on them. Start now, LuckyEarthlings! Create your world!