"Wonder is being open to the beauty and mysteries of life. It is our soul's appreciation for what is precious and inspiring." The Virtues Project
Sometimes it seems that wonder gets left behind in childhood. At some point along the way our brains have seen and categorized enough things and experiences such that our ability to appreciate uniqueness and beauty becomes diminished. As adults, however, we can foster experiences of wonder through an intentional practice of seeking out and noticing the beauty all around us. An intentional practice like this could take many forms. It could be going out into your backyard each morning and listening for bird sounds. It could be intentionally looking at your friend, colleague, partner or child with fresh eyes and letting go of your assumptions and stories about them, and instead sinking in to the gratitude you have for their presence in your life. It could also be savoring a delicious meal slowly, one bite at a time. We have myriad opportunities every day to experience wonder, and to use all of our senses and abilities to appreciate what is around us.
Practicing wonder can lead to greater degrees of creativity and gratitude, which can yield a positive benefits in numerous areas of our lives. In our personal lives, wonder can lead to an improved sense of well-being, groundedness and connectedness. This helps us be more flexible and navigate uncertainty more adeptly. As professionals, wonder can enhance our relationships with colleagues making our work more effective and impactful. Wonder may also help us feel a greater sense of engagement, satisfaction and purpose in the work we do. For parents, wonder can be shared with our children as a means of connection and a relationship building opportunity when we see things anew, as though for the first time.
The more often we seek out wonder the more often we will find it. I wish for you a day, a week, and a lifetime full of wonder.
Reflection questions on Wonder:
- In what ways am I currently experiencing wonder?
- What might enhance my experiences of wonder?
- What ordinary things in my life could I appreciate in a different way?
- How would my relationships shift if I brought more wonder to them?
Thank you, as always, for following along. If you would like to schedule coaching with me, click here to book a free, introductory session.
Comments