Living in Wonder & Awe

When have you experienced the transcendent and felt that you were a part of something greater than yourself?

A drive along the Kancamagus Highway (New Hampshire) at peak season in October when the panorama of colorful leaves took my breath away, a Yo Yo Ma concert which moved me to tears, and the hidden beauty of an ocean underworld I experience every time I snorkel and scuba dive are among moments in my own life of living in wonder and awe.

Yet, I also know a trip across the world or special occasion is not required for me to experience a shift from myself to the vastness of the world around me. If you and I take a moment to look, to ponder, and to receive - we can experience awe and wonder every single day. 

TRUTH 

"Wisdom begins in wonder." — Socrates 

I love learning about people who "wonder" how to improve life, problem solve, innovate, and do the unimaginable. These individuals see possibility where others see only impossibility. The secret of living in wonder and awe is this - it's a choice and we can cultivate this approach in our own lives, if we desire.

Consider the story of Walter E. Disney. The iconic Mickey Mouse ears, the decades of well-beloved Disney movies and songs, and the global excitement of a visit to "the happiest place on Earth" would not be part of our culture and society if Walt Disney had not pursued life in wonder and awe.

Following a year of service as an ambulance driver during WWI where cartoon drawings were often observed in the vehicle he drove, Walt launched a cartoon business with his brother in 1920. Despite his talent and efforts, the business was bankrupt two years later. 

Other setbacks occurred while W. Disney was seeking to bring to our lives the impossible. Even the concept of Mickey Mouse on film was rejected by bankers over 300 times before one finally said, "yes." And WWII strikes contributed to Disney's growing multi-million dollar debt, creating an uncertain future. 

Yet, despite the obstacles and failures, Walt E. Disney held a vision for the future about the possibility and influence of full-length animation features with color and depth. In 1937, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (which so many of us still love) was released and 800+ movies later, the world has been significantly influenced by a man who opened the door to wonder and awe in story-making. 

BEAUTY

Day 5 of our 7-Day Gratitude Challenge is a fun and rewarding practice that explores appreciation and the beauty of life through our senses. I honestly didn't expect the immense feelings of gratitude I experienced as I applied this practice in my own life last week.

I took several minutes on Saturday morning to participate in this gratitude practice which focused on seeing, hearing, smelling, touch, and taste. My home was empty of all people allowing me to solely focus on each of the following senses. Here's what happened:

1. TASTE: This was the first sense I noticed as I sat down and closed my eyes to become aware of each of my senses. Cookies were baking in the oven and I had just finished eating a teaspoon (ok, maybe it was a tablespoon) of apple cider donut cookie dough with chocolate chips. My mouth was happy! And I couldn't help smiling as I focused on the residual flavors of cinnamon, cardamom, freshly ground nutmeg, and chocolate in my mouth. 

2. SMELL: Ah! As you can imagine, the smell of baking cookies was joyful and comforting in one sniff! Being able to savor the wafting aroma from the kitchen was a gift and delight.

3. HEAR: The living room (electric) fireplace was blowing warm air and the sound of the fan reminded me of how grateful I am for electricity. This thought led to gratitude for a secure and warm and comfortable home, especially during cold, winter months. I also focused on the Christmas music I had playing while I was baking (yes, I begin Christmas playlists in November). A piano arrangement of "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" was serenading my ears during this gratitude practice and I found myself appreciating musical talents that bless our lives.

 4. TOUCH: Still with eyes closed, I felt my feet resting on the floor in my warm, cozy slippers. In a short-sleeved shirt, I noticed the comfort of the couch I was sinking into and the warmth on my skin of a heated home while snow blanketed the ground outside and a chilly wind consistently blew. 

5. SIGHT: I opened my eyes, allowing me to use my sense of sight as the final step in my gratitude practice. Three distinct images came into my view. The first image was a picture of my family hanging on the wall. Although taken almost 20 years ago, I felt gratitude for the blessing of my family as I studied this photograph. We're all much older than the younger faces I saw smiling, but we're still together and care for and love each other. The second image was a framed message about the importance of families. I was reminded of the beauty and power of the family in creating flourishing societies and felt gratitude for this truth. The third image my eyes rested upon was a large painting commissioned by my Dad a few years ago which depicts a dream a religious leader had almost 2 centuries ago about the love God has for all people. Again, I felt profound appreciation for knowing this truth - that God loves all His children and we are in His hands.

Our bodies are incredible! A lifelong quest in better understanding the awe and wonder of who we are as human beings may never fully reveal the entire story. Yet, we can be grateful - each day - for that which we do know and understand and experience. We are beautiful creatures and blessed with majestic abilities. 

GOODNESS

In the 2022 article, Awe as a Pathway to Mental and Physical Health, authors examined a review of scientific literature on the emotion of awe. Here are just a few benefits of experiencing awe according to their analysis:

• Reduced inflammation
• Increased oxytocin release (hormone that improves relationship building)
• Elevated vagal tone (management of bodily functions)
• Reduction in focus on self (which impacts depression, anxiety, self-harm)
• Increased generosity
• Increased prosocial behavior
• Increased social connectedness
• Increased sense of meaning

When we intentionally seek experiences that arise in nature, spirituality, music, and connection with others - we increase our opportunities to experience awe - and all the good which accompanies it!

EXCELLENCE

We can cultivate awe and wonder in our environments and lives in a more excellent way. Consider these questions (which I'm asking myself) to create spaces and places where awe and wonder abounds:

• What music brings me the greatest delight and moves me towards feeling hope and joy? (And do I have a playlist dedicated to these songs?)
• How am I spending time in nature everyday? How can I tweak my schedule and habits for the opportunity to be breathing in nature each day?
• How am I brainstorming and planning at least one new experience each week? Or each month? It doesn't have to be a gigantic commitment. Maybe a one-time art class, a new recipe, a new park path to walk on, a community concert or presentation, or meeting a new neighbor.
• How am I intentionally giving myself moments of rest, stillness, and mindfulness each day - to listen, see, hear, and even smell and taste all around me?
• How am I connecting with people in a meaningful way each day? 

A FINAL LOVE NOTE

"Gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter everyday epiphanies, those transcendent moments of awe that change forever how we experience life and the world." — John Milton

Remember - you are divine and loved. You are beautiful, worthy, and strong.

Lovingly,