You often hear the phrase ‘you have a universe inside you’ and it’s always intrigued me.
Do a simple internet search on what this means and you will come up with millions of results.
The phrase is often used to express the idea that every person is unique and contains within themselves their own thoughts, emotions, and experiences.
Rumi – a 13th-century poet, theologian and Islamic scholar – is often quoted:
“Do not feel lonely, the entire universe is inside you.”
And…
“Everything in the universe is within you. Ask all from yourself.”
It’s often used to encourage people to look within themselves for answers and to focus on self-discovery and personal growth.
For example from Wayne W. Dyer, author and speaker in the fields of self-development and spiritual growth:
“There is a universe within you — a unified field of all possibilities that you can reach as you become the compassionate witness. Be silent and shut down the inner dialogue. Most important, transcend the false self that we call the ego. That is when the healing will occur.”
I love this inclusive explanation from NASA on what the universe is:
“The universe is everything. It includes all of space, and all the matter and energy that space contains. It even includes time itself and, of course, it includes you.”
But probably my favourite way of answering what we mean by ‘the universe inside us’ comes from Neil DeGrasse Tyson, American astrophysicist, author, and science communicator.
In 2008 he was answering questions submitted by readers of Time magazine.
The question was: “What is the most astounding fact you can share with us about the universe?”
You can listen to his full answer here…
But essentially his explanation of how the universe is in us…
“Because my atoms… came from those stars.”
So whatever this phrase ‘having a universe inside you’ means to you – or whatever explanation most resonates – never forget – not only are you part of this universe, you are in this universe and that the universe is in you.
So does that mean we are made of stardust?
The Natural History Museum says well, sort of:
“It is totally 100% true: nearly all the elements in the human body were made in a star and many have come through several supernovas.” – Dr Ashley King, Planetary scientist and stardust expert.
I’ll never look at the night sky quite the same again!
Ann🙏