Walking On The Moon And Moments That Change Your Life Forever

Imagine walking on the moon and then returning to earth in Apollo 14? That's what Edgar Mitchell, the 6^th astronaut to walk on the moon, talked to us about in our new book (see below). Few of us ever get to see the earth from outer space, but it was entering the vastness of space that led Mitchell to a deep, personal transformation, one of those moments that change us forever: unexpected and unlooked-for moments that take us out of our normal, rational selves and offer us a glimpse into another dimension of reality.

"We were coming home after being on the moon. As we rotated, a 360-degree panorama of the heavens appeared in the spacecraft window every two minutes. As my job had been the landing craft on the moon, I could now sit back and enjoy the view. I became immersed in the vastness of space. Suddenly, I realized the connectedness of everything, like the ancient mystics all said, and it was accompanied by this feeling of ecstasy, an overwhelming experience that I had never had before."

Having a glimpse of a different reality can have the effect of turning us inward, as if the outer world loses its relevance while the inner world becomes alive and vibrant. As Mitchell continues: "When I got back to earth, I started talking with Eastern mystics and holy men, and with spiritual people from all over the world. I studied virtually all the meditation disciplines and techniques and practices that there are. I wanted to know what had happened in that transcendent experience. The only answer I came to was that I was in resonance, a deep quantum resonance with the ground of my being. A theologian would say the ground of our being is God; I would say it is a field of infinite energy and potential and that when we have such experiences we are in quantum resonance with that deep reality. And when we get in resonance with that reality, we have this feeling of deep peace and the sense that everything is really okay."

Such transcended moments can take the form of dissolving our sense of being a separate self. For Deb's mother, it occurred when she was washing the dishes and heard the sound of a wild bird's song; in that moment, she became the sound and lost any sense of being apart from it. For Deb, it occurred when a worm crawled over her foot: "I was barefoot and had been walking slowly in meditation across the lawn. I stopped and was standing very still and silent when this worm crawled out of the earth and traveled across my foot before disappearing into the grass. I do not like worms that much, but in that moment I felt intense gratitude that it had deemed me safe enough to walk over, and then I suddenly became it: there was no difference or separation between us. I, too, disappeared into the grass. In that moment I ceased to be a separate, ego-defined human. It changed the way I saw everything."

Transcendence also awakens our heart to the love that is the essence of all life. Ed had this experience when he was on the ferryboat going from NYC to the Statue of Liberty. It was evening and he was gazing at the starlit sky. "It seemed the sky was clearer than usual with the stars shining brightly. Suddenly it was if the microcosm became the macrocosm and there was no separation, just one breath. The universe was breathing and I was part of this universal breath, my whole body was breathing along with the whole cosmos. I became breath, and then suddenly it all became a bright light. All I could feel was cosmic love, that everything is love. I spun around and in every direction it was love! Within and without was love! Up and down was love! My whole being was blissful love!"

Such moments stay with us; they alter our fundamental awareness and constantly remind us of joy. We realize not to take ourselves too seriously, that we are vaster than our little selves. Have you had a life-changing moment? Do comment below. You can receive notice of our blogs every Thursday by checking Become a Fan at the top.

You can pre-order a copy of our book at: BE THE CHANGE, How Meditation Can Transform You and the World. It will be published Nov 3.

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Ed and Deb Shapiro's new book, BE THE CHANGE, How Meditation Can Transform You And The World, forewords by the Dalai Lama and Robert Thurman, with contributors such as Marianne Williamson, astronaut Edgar Mitchell, Ellen Burstyn, Michael Beckwith, Jon Kabat-Zinn, Jane Fonda, Jack Kornfield, Byron Katie, Ed Begley, and others, will be published Nov 3 2009 by Sterling Ethos.

Deb is the author of the award-winning book YOUR BODY SPEAKS YOUR MIND

Ed and Deb are the authors of over 15 books, and lead meditation retreats and workshops. They are corporate consultants, and the creators of Chillout daily inspirational text messages on Sprint cell phones. See: www.EdandDebShapiro.com

Follow Ed and Deb Shapiro on Twitter: www.twitter.com/edanddebshapiro

Comments

[CR46]

HuffPost's Pick

Gi Ed and Deb,
Am I the only one who has had a "bad" experience that has changed their lives?? I guess I've always thought that the "bad" ones MADE me change my life course while the positive ones kept me on the course I was on. Maybe it's just me? I usually am not a negative person, but when I looked back the worst time in my life was the most life changing, maybe I'm more negative than I thought.
But I love that your articles always make me THINK and think and try to understand my inner self.

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

Actually CR you are the most fortunate as the wisdom is in the * shadow *

and I had the most difficult of all shadow time where I couldn't feel anything - " GOOD OR BAD " I was so lost I could be alone in a room without Deb. It was worse than people who were terrified because I couldn't even feel that.

I COULDN'T EXPERIENCE ANYTHING AS I WAS NUMB!

I lost the plot and was in England far from my roots in the US so I had no real suport system. Thank god for Deb who was there unconditionally. My only hope was a dear friend/theraphist who took me through it ... I never thought I would make it and neither did my therapist/friend.

so you are not the only one whose traumatic experience brought positive change as I was told what I went through would make me a more compassionate teacher. I hope it has.

Joyfully,

Ed

[yoyo22]

your post always puts me in a different place Luv you both YoYo

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

Sweet YoYo - I hope it is a beautiful, loving and happy place

I know you are in my heart!

Shal-Om

Ed

Hugs to Ruth and Ken

[Waylon Lewis - Huffpost Blogger]

HuffPost's Pick

The Dalai Lama once said that looking at vast vistas, beautiful views, was actually spiritually important—it popped us out of our own self-referential mindstream. This story reminds me of that.

Ever night before I go to bed, I go outside on my balcony and stare at the stars (the few bright enough to shine through our light pollution here in Boulder, Colorado) until my mind opens up and I feel a bit of that peace, and being-present with Nature stuff, that I remember feeling as a crazy kid when I'd be at summer camp up at Shambhala Mountain Center.

Thank you so much for this great reminder of the power of the cosmos to reawaken us and inspire us to be of benefit to others, Ed and Deb!

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

Way my mate- great to see you here and thanks for the comment

I love how you express HH the Dalai Lama

As you are a Buddhist you may enjoy this

Question - Why can't Buddhists vacuum in corners?

Answer - Because they have no attachments!

In the dharma, (dharma is truth)

Ed

[writerkate]

HuffPost's Pick

The first time was when I was a little kid, and it wasn't quite as overpowering as feeling at one with the entire cosmos. I was out in the backyard, looking at the stars, and I decided/re­alized/ass­umed there was another little girl, or reasonable facsimile, on another planet around another star, and that even though she looked nothing at all like me, she was my complete counterpar­t... my sister. I've never forgotten that other Me out there somewhere.

Another such tiny moment was sitting on the trunk of my car, back in college, when I came out of the library to find the most magnificent rainbow I've ever seen filling the western sky. I sat down on the trunk and just sat there for twenty minutes or so, feeling at one with this wonderful planet.

I've had a few more such moments. Possibly not the sort of thing you had in mind, but the closest I've come.

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

Hey writerkate - you are a delight

Thanks for sharing your stories.

They are exactly what I wanted to hear and feel.

Life is awesome. We often go through life so obsessed with our own neurosis we forget the wonder of it all. Right now we are on a planet revolving in space. What an an amazing world we are part of.

Be Happy,

Ed

[regularmess]

This moment takes the case, http://thehappeningstory.blogspot.com/logspot.com/.

Although, some people would say it took too much cake.

Pls. read and share with friends and family.

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

thank you regularmess

I read it!

We all have moments when life reveals to us that we are part of something bigger

Ed

[khanti]

I attended a talk by Rev. Won Sung, a young buddhist monk from Korea, and he spoke of his experience.
One day he was traveling on a bus and he saw an accident where a dog was knocked by a vehicle. He immediately stopped the bus and went down to attend to the injured dog . As he held the dying dog he had a deep experience where he experience the insight to death and impermanence.
For me it was when I held a fish that I caught and saw its sad and downcast eyes. There and then that I realized that all creatures experience pain and value their lives. Deep compassion awenkened in me.

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

Brilliant!

Khanti - you are an inspiration to us all.

Thank you for sharing

I recommend people read this fom khanti!

Ed

[Alarmist]

My life changed when Obama was elected. I was filled with hope at the prospect of our country maybe, for once, actually uniting just a little.

It changed again in the past few months, when I saw my fellow Americans showing their hatred and bigotry.

I'm optimistic it will change yet again, and that people will more forward.

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

Alarmist - I know in my heart that Obama has only good intentions. he inherited a mess from messy people.

I hold him and all that he is doing and will be doing in good faith

Do your best and leave the rest

Ed

[Anne Naylor - Huffpost Blogger]

Hello Ed and Deb,

I love stories about the oneness and experiences which take us above the smallness, which can limit us, to the greater all embracing love that unites us.

Right now, I cannot recall one spectacular moment. There are just times like tonight when I look out at a nearly full moon shining down over the sea and I feel profoundly grateful and in awe, I have been on certain personal development programmes where the love awakened in the group has been profoundly touching and connecting. There is a moment during a wedding ceremony when a couple have exchanged their vows, I can feel a blessing showering over everyone. Those are amazing.

Thank you for sharing such a joyous subject. So good to be reminded about those occasions!

With loving to you,
Anne

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

Anne thank you so much for you comment especially about the wedding because it reminded me about the time I was invited to be at the birth of a friends child.

The whole room just lit up. It was like a white light was shining.

When we come together and experience we are all part of this amazing creation what a joy it is.

I was profoundly honored to talk with astronaut Edgar Mitchell about his moon walking and Apollo 14 experience because he revealed to me what an amzing world we live in. I love this world.

Joyfully,

Ed

[CR46]

HuffPost's Pick

My life changing moment was after a 2nd miscarriage, late 2nd trimester and the Dr telling us that it would not be a good idea to try again we had a daughter at home already , I had almost bled to death. We were heartbroken and I took some time off work ( I was an RN then ) on going back there was a toddler who due to child abuse was on my wing, his discharge delayed because he needed medically fragile qualified foster care. As I over heard the social worker tell the charge nurse that they were hoping for a spot in 3 more days I was overcome with sadness for myself, this child, our world. But then it was as if something touched my very soul and I knew that was what I was meant to do. Later I called and found out how to get qualified, what we as a family would have to do, and my new course in life was set. I fostered 37 medically fragile foster children over the years and adopted my son. My kiddos had varying degrees of problems, some birth defects, others illnesses, a good share abuse cases, some short term, others a little longer---but the truth be known...th­ey saved me from a life of self pity and depression.

[CaveatMagnusFrater]

Hi CR,

Your life is a beautiful story. I imagine the profound effect you've had on so many people. You live love,

Have a happy Thursday,
little brother

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

CR46 WOW - I think there sia book here.

What a courageous person you are.

Thanks for sharing your story and whata story it is.

Bless you. I markded you as a fan and a favorite

Joyfully,

Ed

[pmagellan]

Its interesting that you choose to capitalize the word 'God' but not 'Earth', what's up with that?

And could please tell me why do you capitalize the word "god"? Why don't you capitalize "Earth"? Grammar rules say the opposite, not to mention logic.

[DiogenesOfAlaska]

Wow. You must be one happy person. At least I'm sure I would be if I had the problems you have.

[pmagellan]

Thanks for the soft comment. Yes, I am indeed a very happy person :) And you must be one smart person. I mean, for you to have picked-up on the fact that I'm happy.

Now, please see my answer below to Ed and Deb on the pervasive coincidental use of the words "earth" and "God" in any one text. We are not supposed to capitalize words to attribute them importance, but our subconscious doesn't know that and shows itself in such moments. I think we should capitalize on any such knowledge.

I believe we should not dismiss the small things. At least not if we don't want them to remain problems or limitations in our sharing of reality and understanding. So we can move on together, and evolve.

Know Thy Self

hugs, Pedro

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

pmagellan

sorry it's my jewish background ... i am now an undo and practice Undoism so i don't do it exActly right

it really should be G-D because in the jewish faith you sHouldn't meantion gods name in Vain.

Blogging is not writing a thesis. some people always write in lower case on the iNternet. let's have fun best not to take ourSelves too seriously.

Deb left school when she was 15 and then went on to write 17 books ain 18 languages.

BTW - did you enjoy the blog?

Ed

[pmagellan]

Hey Ed and Deb,

Thanks for replying! Please don't feel defensive. I do love your blog and tried to say so in a previous comment, which was apparently selected for censorship by someone at Huff. I understand they have a tough job.

When I wrote the comment above. I did so because I think words and their use are important. You both wouldn't write if you didn't think so. Correct?.

Now, the "coincidental" use, by you and many others, of the words "earth" and "God" in the very same text is anything but! For me, it reveals something I believe we should pay attention to; and try to understand instead of dismissing it as casual and due to InterNe7-based as you do now.

My point here is that 'God' means different things to different people, and I wonder if we should drop it all together from speech unless commonly defined. I don't know and keep wondering. What I do know and have no doubt on is that we all know Earth and owe it the love and respect we need for ourselves. So I don't think its name should be used carelessly. Just that.

While we trample on this earth as irresponsible children, we, as Earth, have as destiny our origins.

Hope this missive wasn't in vain...
Pedro

[Kari Henley - Huffpost Blogger]

Hi there!
Edgar Mitchell is such a hero, and a pioneer in so many ways. To move from the vastness of space to the vast space within is remarkable and inspiring.
I used to "talk" to the trees in our local park when I was a girl. I remember running there in the midst of adolescent angst, and crying to the stars and the trees to help me. In those moments, the branches would always rustle just so- beckoning and answering. The stars would always twinkle expectantly. I knew I was heard, I knew I was a part of everything, and I felt safe.

I have also had remarkable experiences of connection during breakwork.
Giving birth is another...­.
thanks for a really juicy and thought provoking piece!
Love
Kari

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

Hi Kari- happy to see you here among the stars

Life is a gift and certainly interviewing Edgar Mitchell for our book hs been a highlight. Walking on the moon is so far out.

I have skied some amazing Mountains from Vail to Alta and Snowbird to St. Mary's Glacier and for me they were all amazing events. I even skied Loveland Pass an out of limits area.

But the moon.. walking on the moon and only 5 othe people on earth did it before him out of billions of people is awesome. I saw Edgar on Larry King and Larry wqs so respectful and honored what he did.

Keep shining,

Ed

[PlanetThoughts]

HuffPost's Pick

These experiences are glimpses of ourselves and as this enjoyable article points out can influence our thinking in many ways. But I would like to mention what is often left unsaid: the moments of insight should be more than a beautiful memory and a story to share, but like a fish can be thrown back into the lake by the person who has the experience, as one begins a life of working towards an ever deepening connection to the greater self. That ongoing effort, lighthearted and serious as it can be, is more important than holding onto the experience that may open the new door.

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

Hi PlanetThoughts

Your comment is appreciated and yes:

the moments of insight should be more than a beautiful memory and a story to share, but like a fish can be thrown back into the lake by the person who has the experience, as one begins a life of working towards an ever deepening connection to the greater self. That ongoing effort, lighthearted and serious as it can be, is more important than holding onto the experience that may open the new door.

Life is a precious gift,

Ed

[Kiri Westby - Huffpost Blogger]

HuffPost's Pick

I think it has to do with how we feel when we step outside ourselves, which we sometimes do voluntarily and sometimes its forced. Then we realize how small and inconsequential we are.

I always say that people walk around like they are the star of their own movie and everyone else is just an extra....b­ut then we have moments that shift our reality and we see all these other movies happening.­..and they are just as important as our own! This actually feels wonderful.­..we don't have to be the star, we can be an extra, or just another.

Maybe that's how Edgar Mitchell felt when he saw how small the earth is within the cosmos and how small we are within the earth. He got a chance to see the Grand Movie Set...whic­h few people ever see.

Great blog...can­'t wait to read the book,
Kiri

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

Hi Kiri thank you for your spot on comment and thanks again for being one of the featured contributors to our book with Edgar Mitchell.

We all have a role to play and you certainly play yours.

Liri you are one of my favorite bloggers as well. Deb and you are 2 top writers and your book ROCKS

Love,

Ed

[JohnFromCensornati]

HuffPost's Pick

"Have you had a life-changing moment?"

Yes. It was well past midnight and I was dancing at a club called Another Planet. It seemed the place was smokier than usual and the mirrored disco ball was reflecting brightly. Suddenly it was if the dancers became the dance floor and there was no other sound, just the beat. The universe was thumping and I was part of this universal thump, my whole body was thumping along with the whole thumping cosmos. I became thump, and then suddenly it all became love. All I could feel was cosmic beat, that everything is love. I spun around and around and in every direction was love! Nausea and vertigo was love! In and out and in and out was love! My whole being was sweaty, dehydrated love! Then the X wore off.

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

JohnFromCensornati

sounds like a great trip. at least you got a glimpse. I hope it stayed with you more than just a memory.

Love is the way! Love is the Healer!

I was a hippie and still have those roots ... hangin' with Ram Dass, Leary, Ginsberg, Kesey and my commune family. Spending wonderful times and days with legendary artist Peter Max who is love incarnate and still aclose friend .. being with Swami Satchidananada the Woodstock guru was a LOVE-IN that is still in my blood.

Treasure yourself,

Ed

[JohnFromCensornati]

We were too young to be hippies
Missed out on the love
Turned to a teen in the late seventies
In the summer of the drugs
-Victoria Williams

[DiogenesOfAlaska]

These moments of extreme connectedness experience have been studied by some neuroscientists by now. At least they can make some relation to funny shapes of brain activity. :-)

In small ways, I think these moments accompany any kind of learning process or intense experience of freedom or life-altering events. 'The big one' may happen much less often.

I'm not at all an expert on this, but there does seem to me to be a clear differentiation in intensity, and hence I find these descriptions perfectly plausible. Maybe the most intense ones do require a specific external trigger, like landing back on earth from out of space (which even Edgar Mitchell probably didn't too that often). In a sense, it would be even more surprising, if such an experience were NOT life-changing, wouldn't it? I'm not trying to diminish it, just trying to say it's perfectly plausible.

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

Hi DOA- your point of view is well taken.

I would tend to agree.

Enjoy the journey,

Ed