Our Lifeboat
In honor of Earth Day- April 22, 2026
photo: NASA.GOV
NASA astronaut Christina Koch, Artemis II mission specialist, peers out of one of the Orion spacecraft’s main cabin windows on Saturday, April 4, 2026, looking back at Earth, as the crew travel toward the Moon.
Per usual, I’m a little late to the game. But I'm so glad that I caught up.
I am referring to NASA's mission to travel around the moon.
When I did finally pay attention to the developments in outer space, I was blown away by the astronauts' observations.
Artemis II Astronaut Christina Koch had this to say: “When we saw tiny earth, people asked us what impressions we had. And honestly what struck me, wasn’t necessarily just earth. It was all the blackness around it. Earth was just this lifeboat. Hanging, undisturbingly in the universe. But there’s one new thing I know. Planet Earth- you are a crew.”
I get goosebumps hearing her words and am reminded instantly of the research on AWE.
Awe shifts people away from being the center of their own individual worlds toward a focus on the broader social context and their place within it. The researchers discuss “small self” and the idea that when we feel small, we then increase our pro-social behavior.
As a clinical social worker with 25 years of experience, I still think that depression is one of the most challenging health concerns a person can struggle with. This dark mood can leave people feeling hopeless, scared, and immobile. There is no one size fits all approach. Rather, the remedy is an immense process that requires support, persistence, and patience.
When I walk outside with clients, whether they are feeling sad or not, I try my best to weave the feeling of awe into our sessions. This may look like a pause mid-walk to observe a caterpillar inching its way across the path. Or, seeing a new bunch of bright yellow flowers that seem to have sprung up overnight. Sometimes, just noticing the sun rays shining down through the tops of the trees can help lift someone’s spirits.
As for myself, I walk down the street and spot a blooming lilac bush. The light purple flowers emit a lovely perfumed scent, and I stand still, smelling these potent blossoms. Each of our tiny observations may seem commonplace yet they are so important.
Next time you notice that feeling of awe, like the astronauts, slow down and savor that moment. These felt experiences are the lifeboats for us earthlings.
- To learn more about awe, read: “Awestruck” by Jonah Paquette
- To read more about the study of “small self” see:
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, American Psychological Association 2015, Vol. 108, No. 6, 883–899. University of California, Irvine Matthew Feinberg University of Toronto Awe, the Small Self, and Prosocial Behavior. Paul K. Piff Pia Dietze New York University Daniel M. Stancato and Dacher Keltner, University of California, Berkeley
METAPHOR OF THE MONTH
Visiting the children's garden at Brookside Gardens in Silver Spring, MD, evokes pleasant memories for me. Nature often shapes our childhoods and propels us on a journey to further connect with the natural world. Parks, woods and lakes can provide stability and consistency in otherwise uncertain times.
FEATURED TRAIL
THE METROPOLITAN BRANCH TRAIL
8 MILES: RAILS TO TRAILS IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
The Metropolitan Branch Trail is a walking, jogging, biking path that runs from Union Station, D.C. to Silver Spring, Maryland. The vibrant murals that run along the red line Metro tracks reflect the community and culture of the city. And if you need any more incentive to walk the trail… there are breweries along the way!
WALK & TALK PROFESSIONALS:
Oregon Psychological Association presents:
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