Inviting Awe and Wonder into Our Lives

Sometimes we need to be taught how and where to seek wonder,
but it's always there, waiting, full of mystery and magic.
Diane Ackerman

 

Do you need a break from discussions of serious matters that weigh heavily on your heart and mind?

During the last few weeks, I have felt myself experiencing sadness, frustration and a bit of overwhelm, as I considered the challenges around homelessness in our communities and the serious disconnect in our politics.

I needed to shift my attention to something uplifting – a respite of sorts – so I could get back to my usual positive mindset.

The easiest way that I know to do that is to be aware of the many things in my life that inspire awe and wonder. It’s amazing how easily we forget to notice those things around us all the time that uplift us, if we would just notice them.

I thought a lot this week about experiences in my life when I had unexpected feelings of awe and wonder. The two most outstanding were in response to major natural events.

The Power of Awe and Wonder in My Life

When I was in my early teens, I spent the summer as a “mother’s helper” on Cape Cod. My duties included kitchen duties and helping to care for their four children. I enjoyed my time with them, and I especially appreciated the occasional time off.

One evening, I was out for a long walk in a still- undeveloped area. As twilight transitioned into night, the moon lighted my way. At one point, the road went through a tunnel of trees. I could see that it was dark in that tunnel. I was fearful, as an innate self-protective impulse arose in me.

Not knowing what to do, I looked up at the sky and noticed the magnificent vastness and beauty of the heavens. I was awe-struck. I don’t know how long I gazed in wonder, but I was outside of time. When I finally looked back at the road ahead of me, I realized that, in the vastness of the universe, I did not matter.

Amazingly, feeling insignificant was comforting. No longer afraid, I proceeded down the road and through the tunnel of trees.

I have carried the impact of that moment with me through my life. It is beyond my rational mind. Deep within me, I have a knowing that I am safe wherever I go.

Another experience occurred when I was a teenager. Our family was on a camping trip in Vermont. One evening, as dusk was descending on us, strange lights appeared in the sky – waves and ribbons of colored light. I had heard of the Northern Lights, but I had never anticipated seeing the aurora borealis.

My brothers and I laid on our backs and drank in the dancing motion of light above us. I was mesmerized. I was transported out of my body into the middle of the motion and colors, as if they were also around us.

No words can convey that experience. Awe and wonder are the closest I can come.

Inviting Awe into Our Lives

Of course, we cannot wait for rare acts of nature to fill us with awe. All of nature inspires feelings of wonder and appreciation in me. I love hiking in the forest and sitting or standing by a waterfall. The closer, the better.

The ocean has an energy unlike any other. I’m not big on swimming behind the breakers, although I’ve done it many times. Larry and I enjoy walking barefoot, with saltwater caressing our feet. Breathing in the ocean air and wiggling our toes in the wet sand are enough to make me feel connected to the vastness of the ocean and to all of life.

Of course, nature is around us every day, wherever we are. When we shift our gaze from the large to the small, we have innumerable choices.

All of my life, I have been a collector of beautiful offerings from nature – seashells, colorful rocks, and seed pods to be used as part of our home décor. Spring flowers from desert trees, to be pressed until dry, then used on wall plaques or note paper. Even dried grasses that grow along the road look great in a large basket.

Of course, we don’t have to take something home with us. Just a walk in a park or in our neighborhood offers plenty of beauty when we stop to observe it and appreciate it.

A Canada Goose family, with Papa watching over his brood, ready to chase off anyone who gets too close.

A spider, weaving her web in an intricate pattern designed to ensure that she has food for the day.

Squirrels delightfully chasing each other, as if they, too, know the joy of play.

Butterflies and hummingbirds drinking from deep within flowers, spreading pollen where it needs to go.

Birds singing their stories, looking for a mate or foraging food for a new family.

Beauty, beauty all around.

Wonder All Around Us

We can experience wonder every day if we are so inclined. That is the choice that I made this week.

I considered the friends who showed up and offered help and the pleasure of their company.

I thought about the information that came to me, unasked, but in response to a need or a desire within me.  Those synchronicities are as awe inspiring as any dramatic display of nature. They nurture a deep part of me and remind me that I am always cared for.

Yes I am in awe of our life – how easily it flows, even when challenges arise, which they often do.

We are so richly blessed, especially by friends and family, and by the realization that we have the privilege of living on Planet Earth at this time.

We have the privilege of being a voice of love and kindness at a time when the world needs all the love it can get. And we have the joy that comes with walking this chosen path.

We’re so glad that you have chosen to join us on our journey, and we wish you joy and awe and wonder on your journey.

     Image by RENE RAUSCHENBERGER from Pixabay

What are your thoughts? Do these ideas speak to you? Please leave a comment below. Thank you.

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We’re grateful that you are on this journey with us.

With love from our hearts to yours,
Pat and Larry