The present moment is where we need to focus our attention to practice mindfulness. It is not leaving the now and shifting our mind to the past or the future, yet the more I have practiced meditation/mindfulness over the last month, the more I have discovered a profound connection to the universe and its limitless potential - the concept of time and the ‘now’ almost seems irrelevant.

Meteorites have always piqued my interest and fascination in the expanse of our universe and the concept of time. Hot, dense, iron-nickel stones that were once hurtling through space for billions of years, nestled between mars and jupiter are now gently resting in my hand here, in suburban Melbourne, in ‘the now’. 

Where has it been? What has it seen? Does it experience the stillness as I do? Does it long for the order and chaos of infinity? I wonder how long it will be before it is once again in orbit. Can a meteorite have an existential crisis?

Whilst these asteroids were patiently held in a gravitational roller coaster the earth was evolving. Trilobites, dinosaurs, mammals and humans came into existence, and some back out again. All the while they drifted. In fact, the iron meteorites found on earth began their formation at the same time as our galaxy, and therefore our planet earth. 

“We are all stardust” hits differently when you’re holding a piece of space in your hand. I’m not sure if you’d call this the ‘overview effect’ but there’s certainly a sense of awe that rushes up from your feet to your crown when holding a meteorite. Somewhat easier to obtain than a flight out of our atmosphere.

The experiences that I've had through cognitively processing the enormity of the universe’s expanse and the past-life experiences of the earth in deep thought have still been overshadowed by the bass drum hum of energy that these objects radiate, (think Harry Potter in the philosopher’s stone). I can imagine for just that short moment in time Harry no longer felt bamboozled or panicked by the challenges with Voldemort or the Professor Quirrell quarrel and he was simply breath taken with the energy of the crystal in his hand. 

There’s a ‘knowing’ and intelligence that these precious objects hold, a powerful surge of pure vibrational energy and there’s no way you can be un-shook by this (whether you’re a fictional character or actual person). Be it a passive experience or not, these celestial bodies will show you what energy is not aligned. Hold on for the ride.

The last 4 weeks have been challenging, and I can connect the throws of life to the acquisition of this hefty meteorite. There’s been a lot of self doubt and feelings of uncertainty, extraordinary surges of creativity and total flatlines. Leaning into my rituals and stripping away the ego to embrace the feelings of awe, oneness and belonging has been an integral part of my journey this May.