The Impact of Totality: Lessons & Inspiration From the Total Solar Eclipse on August 21, 2017 by Angela Chee

We just experienced a total solar eclipse. What was it like during totality?

• #serenity
• #peace
• #presence
• #love

This is what I wish for the world. Words can’t really express the feeling, but for 2.2 minutes it was just perfect. No future, no past, just a moment of awe and unity.

As I stood in an empty field in Madras, Ore., hugging my family surrounded by hundreds of thousands from around the globe – the world stood still. Seeing the changing shapes through our glasses was cool, but it was the moments before totality that everything shifted.

The temperature dropped as simultaneous cheers filled the air. WOW! With my glasses on I saw the last spark of light disappear, took off my glasses off and looked up in awe at the dark circle and a ring of white light. Then the roar of the crowd faded and everyone was just present. It wasn’t eerie total darkness, it was a warm glow washing over the sky and me and feeling everything is as it should be. Then another roar as the eclipsed passed and it was over. My kids went back to running around like it never happened, but it did and it was amazing. 

We move so fast sometimes. We just move on and forget. The eclipse reminded me to savor life's moments and to highlight humanity and unity.