The first time, we have experienced the night sky in Cederberg cemented our decision to move to South Africa and create Bliss & Stars. The smell of the bush, the sound of the crickets and the absence of the human sound and star-studded sky, the billions of light points wrapping us as the blanket was a profound sensory experience. We were blissed out.

The universe is vast, rich, ancient, and mysterious. In his essay, Living Philosophies, Einstein wrote: “The most beautiful emotion we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science. He to whom the emotion is a stranger, who can no longer pause to wonder and stand wrapped in awe, is as good as dead.”

A pristine night sky far away from light pollution evokes awe. It reminds us that this is the same sky seen by our ancestors who probably felt the same way – full of wonder and awe. Connected to everything, attached to nothing.

Studies show that experiencing awe makes us feel connected to something much bigger than ourselves. Awe makes us more resilient and kinder to each other.

We feel like time slows down. We also get exposed to natural daylight and undisturbed darkness, which improves our mood, resets our circadian rhythm, and releases natural melatonin, so we can sleep better.