NH Business Review Column -- Solar Eclipse Reflections

I had heard stories that seeing a total eclipse can change a person’s life. Paul Piff, a professor at University of California Irvine, has found that awe-inspiring experiences can promote kindness and improve health outcomes. An eclipse “connects us to things bigger than ourselves, motivates us to care for others, and the greater good,” Piff said. That might help explain the lack of road-rage incidents as many drove home in dense traffic after the April 8, 2024 eclipse. Sadly, however, researchers say these effects aren’t permanent.

I am not sure how much this applied to my experience of viewing the amazing solar eclipse totality, but know that we can all benefit from getting out of our routines, spending more time in nature, and engaging with others. I ponder the lessons for improving my life, including embracing humility. Things don’t always go as planned, and we need to adapt, embrace the positives and be sure to smell the roses.

See my full New Hampshire Business Review column at https://read.nhbr.com/nh-business-review#2024/04/26/?article=4219892

A paper copy of this column was included in the time capsule buried on May 1 outside the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center and Planetarium in Concord, NH. While the electronic version of this article will presumably be around for a while, that particular paper copy will not be seen again until 2079 when the time capsule is dug up to celebrate the next New Hampshire solar eclipse!    

We each have an extraordinary opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives, including our own. Don’t underestimate your impact!