Sometimes at night I would sleep open-eyed underneath a sky dripping with stars. I was alive then.

This quote evokes a sense of nostalgia and longing for a time of heightened awareness and vitality. The speaker reminisces about nights spent under a star-filled sky, a scenario that suggests openness, wonder, and a deep connection to the natural world. Sleeping “open-eyed” implies a state of heightened consciousness or mindfulness, a refusal or inability to close oneself off from the world, even in sleep. The phrase “I was alive then” suggests a contrast with the speaker’s present state, implying a loss or diminishment of that previous vitality and connectedness.

In the context of personal development, this quote might be seen as a call to rediscover and cultivate that sense of openness, mindfulness, and vitality. It suggests the value of being fully present in the world and in our experiences, of maintaining a sense of wonder and connection to the world around us.

In today’s world, where many of us spend much of our time indoors, in front of screens, and disconnected from the natural world, this quote might be read as a critique of our modern lifestyles. It might be seen as an encouragement to step away from our screens, to spend time outdoors, to look up at the stars, and to cultivate a sense of wonder and connection to the natural world. It might also be seen as a reminder of the importance of mindfulness and presence, of being fully “alive” in each moment, rather than sleepwalking through our lives.