Up In The Air

A funny thing happens when I am above the clouds. It's as if the new perspective enables me to think about things that wouldn't enter my mind if I was on the ground, engrossed in the daily activities of life. There's something about being above it all that allows for reflection, for deeper thought and meaning, than the hustle and bustle of daily life on the ground affords. I seem to do my deepest thinking when electronic devices aren't allowed, and I'm not distracted by my laptop, my iPod, or even the magazine in the seat pocket. So what do I think about you ask?

I think about how peaceful and perfect the world looks, all the blemishes fade away from our world when looking at it from afar. Everything seems orderly, and in place. You see the large cities lit up, the towns lit up, and spaces of nothingness in between. Just as it should be. Car lights moving steadily to reach their destination. No sound whatsoever. Now that's a trait I'm sure Brad appreciates in particular. All the complexity, the detail, the chaos ... gone. The world seems right with itself.

But I also think about how small each of us are as individuals in our world. Make a million bucks, write a book, plant a field for 40 years, does any of that really matter? Being in the air trivializes almost all of these things. Who has really made a mark on the world, Thomas Edison, that's who! Because when you are flying at night, his invention is the only one that appears to exist. Oh, and the Wright Brothers. But the latter is one with whom you question whether being that high up in the air, living on faith in others to bring you back to those you love, you question how much thanks that deserves. The only things lasting are our memories, and that's when the impact you have had on others (and others on you) seem to be the most important.

Particularly if you never come down again, if you never speak another word to anyone. My fear and anxiety over flying also seem to have increased over the years. Fear and anxiety over something terrible happening, and the fact that your life is in the hands of someone you have never met, and never will meet also cross my mind. Why would you do such a thing? And for what, a meeting? Really? Doesn't seem to make any sense at that point in time. But it will when reality returns, when the wheels once again touch down and you go right back into ground mode.

Flying is an incredible diversion of thought and perspective for me. Strange how that's what it takes for me to think more deeply about what's important, what really matters, and how blessed I am.