The Miriam-Webster dictionary defines wonder as something extraordinary or surprising in life.
Do you remember the last time that happened to you and how that made you feel?
I remember a time when I saw a shooting star blaze across the sky just before dawn. It was totally unexpected, and I was in awe at the beauty of what I was seeing. Nothing else mattered in that moment, the worries of my world melted away. I felt strangely energized by the experience and about some of the things I really did not understand about life. Suddenly, I was part of a world that was beautiful. It gave me a glimpse of being a part of something greater than myself. This was a very powerful and uplifting experience. I thought about it all that day, and even as I write about it today. I was somehow lifted above the earth.
So how do we get more of this in our lives? Certainly, it makes us feel good and takes us to a place where the small things in life don’t seem to matter. Some of the ways we can find this are in nature, with the experience of art and music, the kindness shown by others, and in the mysteries of birth and death. When we aren’t looking, awe-inspiring events just happen. They connect us to something greater than ourselves, make us take stock of our lives, and speak to the core of who we are as people. Sometimes these are called “peak experiences.” On a biological-chemical level in our bodies, we become calmer, healthier, and more connected to others as a result.
Experiencing wonder in life is usually random and unexpected. Why do you think they call great experiences “WONDER-ful”? So, I wonder, where are you going to find yours?
