Nebula

So many stars in the sky. They say what is seen with the naked eye is only the beginning of the vastness of the universe. Does it ever stop?

On one of my various star gazing evenings, I was admiring the Big Dipper and with the faultless dark skies, I could see a bright, hazy band of light known as the Milky Way. But my latest fascination has been about what’s in the constellation of Orion.

Looking at the three bright stars of Orion’s belt, my eyes travel down from the middle star to three stars in a perpendicular line forming Orion’s sword. When looking at the middle star it appears fuzzy, but when I raise binoculars to my eyes and peer through them, the area becomes clearer. There is a cosmic cloud of space debris, a vibrant star-forming region located right in Orion’s sword called a nebula, Messier 42 (M42).

After growing an icicle off my nose, reluctantly I went back in the house and sat under my electric blanket continuing to ponder how stars are formed.

I started searching about star formation. Like a two-year-old I began asking Google, “What is a Nebula? How does a star form? Does a star die?” Wow, it’s amazing what a person can learn by just asking.

Did you know that Nebulae are considered the stellar “cradles” and “graveyards” of the universe? What that means is when a star can no longer release energy there is a rapid collapse and then a massive supernova explosion happens. The remnants of the dying star leaves gas and dust in space, a perfect setting for the formation of a new star.

The gas and dust particles become spread out but then gravity slowly begins to pull together clumps of dust and gas together. As these masses become bigger the gravity becomes stronger. Eventually the form of dust and gas get so big that it collapses from its own gravity causing the material at the center to heat up creating the beginning of a star.

There is so much more to the explanation of a nebula but even with this simple description it’s astonishing how in space baby stars benefit from the old dying stars.

Often, I think about our younger generation and the battles they experience to survive in today’s world. I feel that there is a consensus amongst folks my age that life today is completely different than when we were kids.

Back in the Baby Boomer day, young adults were feeling a disconnect from the older generation, the “Silent Generation” and “Greatest Generation”. Some of the issues that provoked a revolt was the Vietnam War and the rejection of the “straight-laced” suburban nuclear-family ideology. Boomers viewed their parents as being too submissive to authority but at the same time the boomers grew up in a period where there was economic security allowing them the luxury to experiment, protest, and demand a different kind of world.

“The challenge of the future is to bridge the gap between generations.” – Edwrd Weston

Today the Gen Z and Millennials struggle with issues that I didn’t put much thought into when I was their age such as mental health crisis driven by anxiety, depression, and burnout that is compounded by intense pressure to succeed. The financial strain from rising cost of living and student debt is crazy ridiculous and then to navigate loneliness compounded with negative social comparison that is driven by the social media must be an unbearable strain.

This generation worries about the uncertain future that is compounded by climate change and politics while trying to build a career in a volatile job market. How did we get to this point that our younger generation strive to gain independence with such immense pressure to be perfect.

“I pray every day for my little girls. It’s hard out there for the younger generation.” – Angie Harmon

So how can I be of support to this younger generation. How can I be like a dying star in space creating a positive growing atmosphere, like a nebula.

I wanted a better perspective on this issue so I reached out to many of my Gen Z and Millennial acquaintances from different backgrounds, and countries and asked, “What is the biggest thing you want or need from the older generation?”

It’s a simple question but as I started to received comments, I could tell that this was a complex subject. Each person who replied, passionately wrote a thought-provoking answer. What is interesting is ninety percent of the remarks included two requests. “For the older generation to be more open minded and less judgmental.”

“No generation is perfect, but each has its own inventiveness and passion that makes it unique.” – Tim O’Reilly

Each day that I interact with these amazing smart kids, I’m blown away by their tenacity and ingenuity to survive this crazy world. Technology is beyond me but I’m astonished how the Gen Z and Millennials navigate it as if it’s second nature to them. Their yearning to make a spot for themselves is huge. To have a home, family, job and all those ‘good’ things they grew up hearing about seems to always be out of reach for them but still they work hard with the hope of one day achieving their goal.

“Today’s generation of young people holds more power than any generation before it to make a positive impact on the world.” – William J Clinton

Each one’s struggle and background are different and all they ask of the old folks is to be open minded and less judgmental.

The disconnect between the younger and older generation needs to be repaired. Our young’uns need us old farts.

Maybe you’re wondering what you could do to improve this situation. My advice is, get involved. Set aside any preconceived ideas of how things should be and interact with these amazing kids. I chose to do skydiving, iFly (indoor skydiving), traveling and connecting outside of the USA with others. Even at work opportunities present themselves. I love interacting with the Zillennials and hearing what is important to them. I learn so much from them. This is when real conversations happen and as an oldie, I’m able to support them and cheer them on.

This generation may talk differently; they may alter their body appearance but that’s just a snippet of who they are. Getting to know the inner parts of these kids is where the phenomenal awesomeness is found.

“Our fingerprints don’t fade from the lives we touch.” – Joyce Meyer

As I enter my older years, like a nebula, I too want to leave dust matter of wisdom and knowledge. Create pockets of gas for safe moments of listening while building deep connections that will increase the gravity of shared life experiences. I want to see my nebula be a contributor of many star formations of this younger generation. My desire is to see the success of the Zillennials thriving in today’s world. I don’t want to be the reason they give up.

To my Gen Z and Millennial acquaintances, thank you so much for your participation in my little study. I have great respect and admiration for you. You are what makes this world go around.

“Generations may come and go, but the impact of our actions lasts forever.” – Harold B. Lee

Photo by Anders Drange on Unsplash

Gwen