A Glimpse of Something Greater: Why Being Born Aware Is a Gift

Being born gives us more than just a body—it gives us a mind, a sense of self, and the amazing ability to be aware. With that awareness comes something rare: the chance to catch a glimpse of something far bigger than ourselves—what some call universal consciousness. It’s the idea that through our minds and hearts, we can sense a deeper truth behind life, something vast and mysterious that connects everything.

Many spiritual traditions see human life as a special gift. In Hinduism, it’s believed that among all forms of life, being born as a human gives us a unique chance to understand who we really are—beneath all the roles and labels. Ancient Indian texts say that our soul (Atman) is actually part of a greater, universal spirit (Brahman), and that through awareness and reflection, we can realize this connection.

Buddhism also talks about the rarity of being born human. The Buddha once said that it’s as unlikely as a blind turtle, swimming in the vast ocean, randomly poking its head through a floating ring. It’s a poetic way of saying:

"don’t waste this chance."

 Being aware gives us the opportunity to grow, to care, and to awaken to something bigger than ourselves.

Western thinkers have wrestled with this idea too. Philosopher Immanuel Kant believed our ability to think and reflect makes us moral beings, capable of making choices that matter. Others, like existentialists Jean-Paul Sartre and Søren Kierkegaard, saw awareness as both a gift and a challenge—it lets us create meaning in our lives, but also brings responsibility and even anxiety. Still, they agreed: our ability to be conscious sets us apart.

Science is starting to explore these questions too. Physicist Max Planck, one of the founders of quantum theory, believed that consciousness isn’t just a by-product of the brain—it might actually be the foundation of everything. Today, some researchers suggest that when complex systems (like the human brain) process information in certain ways, consciousness naturally appears. We don’t fully understand it yet, but we know it’s one of the greatest puzzles in science.

Astronomer Carl Sagan once said,

“We are a way for the cosmos to know itself.”

That means each one of us, just by being aware, helps the universe become aware of its own existence. It’s a beautiful, humbling idea. Our lives might be short, and we might seem small—but the fact that we can ask these big questions means we’re part of something truly special.

So, being alive and aware isn’t just about surviving day to day. It’s about noticing the beauty, asking the big questions, and honoring the gift of being able to think, feel, and connect. In those moments of wonder, love, or stillness—we just might be touching the edge of something timeless.