5 Reasons Why I Love 'The Expanse'

The Expanse is a serialized science fiction video series based on a novel series of the same name, authored by James S. A. Corey. The show was initially produced by Alcon Entertainment for TV. After three seasons, they canceled the show. Due to popular demand, Amazon Prime Studios picked up the series and produced a fourth season. The entire series is available on Amazon Prime. Here are 5 reasons why I love the series.

1. It is realistic

Unlike other science fiction series, this show is realistic. It doesn't create a reality that is entirely out of our sensibility. The planets, interplanetary travel, etc. are portrayed as is predicted/expected by scientific realities.

2. It has real physics involved.

The Expanse uses real physical laws in its story and graphics. For example, people of the belt are taller and leaner because they live in lower gravity than earth. Another example is how they show zero gravity and generation of artificial gravity.

3. It has real human elements, not entirely super-heroism.

Though there is exaggeration to an extent, The Expanse does not go over the board and place super-heroic acts in the series. The characters have real emotions and have real human errors and weaknesses, which make The Expanse a true reflection of human lives, well- in a sci-fi sense.

4. It reflects human political struggles

The Expanse may be set in the future, but the way the Earth, Mars and Belt fights over available resources, the way politicians and gun-people interact wielding power and missiles reflects the way we humans fight. In a way, The Expanse shows us how we may destroy our Earth not so far in the future.

5. Its story is believable.

Watching The Expanse, knowing that it is set in the future does not make it an unbelievable experience. The Iron Man may be unbelievable because it is set in today's world, and we know it is not true to our experience. But The Expanse is set in the future, and it is possible that our future is going to be like that. In a way then, The Expanse is trying to show us or trying to form our future.

The Expanse is a wonderful experience. If you haven't watched, please do. The first episode is a free gift to you even if you don't have Amazon Prime subscription. Just use this link: https://www.amazon.com/The-Expanse-Season-1/dp/B018BZ3SCM

How is meditation useful if you are already a happy person?

When you decide to begin a journey, the only stumbling block before you is the question 'when'. If you decide to begin  your journey the moment you decide about the journey, you have achieved half of what you deserve. The other half comes to you if you have the determination to persevere in your journey. Every journey has a beginning. Beginnings are important because they set the mood, the course and the end of the journey. That is why they say, 'well begun is half done'.

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When I was part of the Society of Jesus, I used to meditate everyday. It was part of the discipline of the Society. Spirituality was personal responsibility, but discipline was external till you were considered an adult in spirituality. So I meditated when the bell rang. After I left the Society to live as an ordinary human being in the society, I realized that meditations need not start when a bell rang. After a while, I stopped meditating altogether. I found that life was fruitful and happy if one concentrated in one's daily routine with dedication. I was happy to work, happy to earn, happy to spend what I earned, happy to save some wealth, happy to love, happy to share. I was happy. I didn't need to meditate to be happy.

Life went on happily like this for about ten years. Just the other day, I got to think about the meaning of life. As always, I gave prime importance to happiness. I was and am happy. I have a family, I have love, I have decent savings, I live a decent life, I earn respect, and I have material possessions to live happily. But, when I thought about the depth of that happiness, I found that my happiness could be deeper, fuller and stronger. I found that I could do better if I knew myself better. I realized that I needed to get in touch with my own self in a better manner.

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How do I do that? The best way is to sit quietly with closed eyes thinking nothing. By meditating.

So I got back to meditation. Yesterday, when I meditated after a long time, I used some peaceful music to support my concentration. Also, I made sure that I didn't pray. Prayer is useless when there is no conviction of its usefulness. So I sat down, listened to music and concentrated on my breathing. It was wonderful. After 15 minutes when the music stopped, I felt relaxed and reset. I knew then that I would meditate again.