Surely everyone has heard the expression,

"You're a star!"

But have you ever considered the possibility that human beings are actually made from stars?

It sounds crazy, and that's because it is. The atoms that make up our bodies are 97 percent similar to the atomic contents of the galaxy.

The genesis of humanity was no easy feat, considering all the spectacular cosmic events which had to take place to set the stage. The circumstances which led to our existence were peculiarly perfect: the formation of a planet at a Goldiloxian distance from the Sun, tectonic activity that molded the planet's unique geographical features, and highly adaptive species that survived through the most terrifying times in our planet's history. Even then, the probability of intelligent beings was frighteningly low.

We are improbable, and yet, we exist.

National Geographic's new show One Strange Rock delves into the history of our incredible planet, from its violent beginning to now and everything in between. The ten-episode series from Oscar-nominated director Darren Aronofsky explores the unparalleled perspectives of eight astronauts who describe their profound experiences on the International Space Station, for a combined total of over 1000 days in space.

And it's hosted by our favorite Fresh Prince, Will Smith. I mean, can you get any better than this?!

The series features the work of Nat Geo's unsurpassable photographers, who capture the wonder of Earth's most outlandish places. Every freaky life form has its moment to shine in OSR, since they've all shaped the planet in some small way. Additionally, it highlights thrilling places with rich biological history: from remote islands in Indonesia to the deserts of Morocco.

OSR also does a phenomenal job of portraying the tenacity of the human spirit. It features a diverse cast of people with an even more diverse set of occupations: free divers, eagle trainers, cave crawlers, Buddhist monks, mountain climbers, and so many more. Each episode is focused on a particular theme and illustrates ancient traditions and natural oddities related to it. The people in any given episode, often starkly contrasting to one another, experience life in utterly different ways.

In Spain, for example, thousands of people unite every year to build towers. But these towers are atypical; they're made of people. The human towers reach heights of over ten stories (yep, that's over 140 feet high), topped off by their smallest members.

Despite extreme cultural differences, we are all made of the very same stuff. We are all descendants of that first cell that sparked to life amidst a primordial soup. Humanity has evolved into a machine that can accomplish literally anything.

Our individualism is astounding, and yet, our interconnectedness is even more beautiful.

Stream One Strange Rock to experience Earth's stunning complexity for yourself.

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If you're as awestruck as I was, or want to discuss the wonder, reach out to me on Instagram @lilswits!