Picture yourself in the vastness of space, surrounded by twinkling stars and silently orbiting planets. There you are, alone, observing the universe.

This idea is more than mere fancy; it’s a meaningful reflection on our existence. We each have a unique spot in the observable universe, effectively making us the centres of our own universes. But what does this mean for us as individuals? How does it influence our view of the world and our role in it?

Understanding Our Place in the Universe

At first, it might seem self-centred to say we’re each at the universe’s centre. However, if we consider the universe’s vast and ever-expanding nature, any point, including where we stand, can be seen as a centre. This isn’t just a physical reality but also a metaphorical one, reflecting our personal experiences and perceptions.

From my viewpoint, my experiences, joys, and challenges revolve around me. The same is true for you – your life orbits around your thoughts, dreams, and realities. This isn’t self-centredness; it’s a fact of our individual perspectives. We each experience life through our lens, placing us at the centre of our stories.

However, this central position doesn’t suggest we’re more important than others. Realising this helps us see ourselves differently. We are central, but so is everyone else in their lives. This thought fosters humility and connection with others, as we recognise that everyone is living a life as rich and complex as ours.

The Philosophical Implications

Being at the centre of our own universe has significant philosophical implications. It makes us question our perceptions of ourselves and others.

On a personal level, this understanding can be empowering and humbling. It acknowledges our role in shaping our experiences, yet reminds us that this is a universal truth, shared by everyone we meet.

In my life, I’ve realised that recognising my centrality doesn’t make me superior to others. It’s a common human experience, a shared reality that connects us all. This is key to avoiding egocentrism.

While it’s natural to view our lives as the main story, recognising others as central to their narratives fosters empathy and compassion. This shift in perspective has profound implications for our interactions with the world. It encourages us to approach others with understanding, acknowledging that they, too, are navigating their central universe.

The Illusion of Hierarchy in Centrality

There’s a misconception that being central to our universe implies a hierarchy of importance. However, I’ve come to see this as an illusion. If we’re all central to our universes, this centrality is shared, not distinguishing. It doesn’t raise any of us above the rest; rather, it places us all on an equal footing.

In my life, this has been freeing. It has helped me step away from competing to prove my worth over others. Understanding our equal centrality removes the need for such comparisons. In a sky full of stars, each star is central in its right, yet no single star dominates.

This perspective changes how we view our relationships. Instead of seeing life as a race for significance, we can appreciate each person’s unique centrality. This doesn’t lessen our value but adds richness to our understanding of the human experience. We’re all stars in the universe, shining in our way, yet part of a magnificent whole.

Equality in Centrality: A Humbling Concept

Embracing our roles as centres of our universes leads to a humbling conclusion: our equal importance. This concept of equality in centrality is enlightening and grounding. For me, it has been a journey towards humility and a deeper appreciation of others.

It’s easy to think our central position makes our experiences more significant than others. But in reality, everyone around us experiences life with the same intensity and centrality. This invites us to live with more compassion and empathy.

When I consider this, I’m reminded of the countless stories unfolding around me. Each person I meet, each life that intersects with mine, is a universe in itself. Acknowledging this doesn’t lessen my experiences but deepens my connections.

This understanding teaches us to value each narrative and encourages us to listen, understand, and appreciate the diverse tapestry of human experiences. It’s a reminder that while we are authors of our stories, we are also part of a larger, interconnected narrative.

Personal Reflections and Experiences

In my life, understanding my position as the centre of my universe has been both a journey of self-discovery and a path to connecting with others. I’ve had moments of feeling like the protagonist in life’s grand story, only to realise that everyone around me is living their version of this story. This has been both humbling and liberating.

There have been times when I felt my issues were the world’s most significant. But seeing others as central to their universes shifted my perspective. I began to see that my challenges, while important to me, are just one part of the vast human experience. This didn’t make my problems smaller; it made my world bigger.

This perspective has changed my interactions, making conversations more about understanding than being understood. Each person I meet adds a new chapter to my understanding of the world.

This journey towards recognising my centrality and the centrality of others has been profound. It has taught me to appreciate my journey’s uniqueness while valuing those around me. It’s a balance between recognising my significance and understanding that I’m part of a larger, interconnected community.

My Conclusion

Viewing ourselves as centres of our universes is a concept rich with implications. It challenges us to think deeply about our place in the world and our relationships with others. This realisation has guided me towards a more empathetic and connected way of living.

Understanding that we are all equally central doesn’t diminish our importance; it enhances our appreciation for the shared human experience. It encourages us to view each person’s life as a unique story, deserving respect and understanding. This perspective is not about diminishing ourselves but about recognising the value in everyone.

As you go about your day, consider this concept. How does acknowledging your centrality, along with everyone else’s, alter your view of your interactions and experiences? How can this understanding impact your relationships and life approach?

Have you ever considered your place in the universe in this way? How has this perspective influenced your view of yourself and others? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences on this subject. Let me know what you think.

Peace,

Corey 🙂

According to renowned Zen Buddhist and interpreter of Chinese and Indian philosophies to the West, Alan Watts (1915-1973), the correlation between life and music is a closely knit and intertwining one.

Through his lectures and his vast audio archive, he was known for his ability to unravel the complexities of life for the layperson through his eloquence and humour.

A series of videos created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone of South Park were made from some of Alan’s famous audio recordings. The one I’ve included below is for one of the videos that has resonated with me the most.

It’s simply called Life and Music. Enjoy.

Some timely life lessons from Alan Watts. Let me know what you think.

Peace,

Corey 🙂

Today is June 1st which means it’s the first day of Winter which also means that most people in the world who realise this will say to themselves “Is it really June already? Wow! Where’s the time gone?”

This is because we all live busy lives and we tend to not pay close attention to what it is that we do on a day to day basis. One day of inattention after another later and… We end up in June already wondering what the hell just happened.

We all collectively need to “stop and smell the roses” so to speak. We need to stop rushing around, take a deep breathe and be still for a moment.

We need to do this so we can all gain a bit of perspective on life and I think this video below is one of the best ways for us to do this.

This video the “pale blue dot” showcases one of the most beautifully eloquent monologues on our existence I’ve ever heard, narrated by one of the most brilliant minds of our time, Carl Sagan.

I thought I’d put it up here as a reminder of what’s really important in this world we live in.

The ONLY world that we live in.

I can’t help but shed a little tear every time I see this because for me, this is the ultimate reality check.

Gives you something to think about doesn’t it?

Peace,

Corey 🙂

For anyone who is visiting this site and reading this blog for the very first time, I extend the warmest of welcomes to you.

It’s my goal to keep you coming back for more. More content about my life and the songwriting, music business and home recording components of it.

However, for those of you who have known me either personally or from afar over the years, you’ll see yet another attempt from me to start up Corey Stewart Online only to have it disappear from the internet under the guise of being “under construction” or whatever excuse I can come up with.

I’m not intending to make this post sound like a total beat up on myself however, I am telling the truth here.

I’ve stopped and started many times with my websites and with each version of Corey Stewart Online (and other blogs) created, I’ve crossed my fingers and hoped that this would be the last time that I wipe the online slate clean and start again.

So, what makes this time any different? Nothing really, but I am however, much more motivated than I have been in the past and this is the reason why.

Mara, my partner (and muse) for fifteen years and my wife for almost six, passed away on November 22nd, 2020 and from that moment on, my life irreversibly changed.

Whereas before I was a perfectionist, always willing to wipe the slate clean and start again in the hope that next time around whatever I was working on would be perfect, I am now not so hung up on perfection.

Whereas before I was a control freak, getting upset if the slightest deviation of my planned day was to be experienced, I am now not so hung up on control.

Whereas before I was ultra-competitive to the point of being jealous, not finding the joy in the success of others over my own endeavours, I am now not so hung up on competition.

And what has been the driver of this change?

It’s the fact that life is far, far too short to engage in these empty emotional activities that don’t get you anywhere except a one way ticket to misery and suffering.

As for Corey Stewart Online… Well, this blog is my way of addressing the famous quote from Socrates.

“An unexamined life is not worth living.”

Two of the main things that Mara taught me was to first of all, embrace life with both hands and secondly, to treat other the way that they would want to be treated.

She did this just by living her life and it was an absolute joy to be around her when she was in full Mara mode.

Being in full Mara mode meant that Mara was 100% in the moment, just by being herself. She knew what being her meant because she lived an examined life.

Whereas me, I was still living on autopilot.

I want to live my life in full Mara mode too which means I need to stop living on autopilot and examine, embrace and explore what it really means to be ME.

Hence starting up Corey Stewart Online again but this time I’m not coming at this from a place of ego, I’m coming at this from a place of learning… About myself.

So, if you’re a first time visitor to Corey Stewart Online and first time reader of this blog and you’re still here… Just know that there’s a lot of history attached to this site but at the end of the day, I think we’re going to get along just fine.

For those of you that know me either personally or from afar… Thank you for sticking by me and this time around, I wont let you down.

And Mara, wherever you are… The memories of you that I hold dear will not be in vain. It is now the driving force behind everything that I do.

Peace,

Corey