Finding Wonder
Wonder is a feeling of amazement or admiration caused by something beautiful, remarkable, or unfamiliar. Experiencing wonder can help us to see the world in a new way, to feel more connected to the world around us, and to cultivate a sense of awe and gratitude.
Studies have shown that experiencing wonder can have positive effects on our mental health, including reducing stress, improving our mood, and increasing our sense of purpose and meaning in life. Additionally, feeling wonder can lead to increased creativity, curiosity, and a greater willingness to explore new experiences and ideas.
In a world that can often be overwhelming and stressful, taking the time to seek out experiences that inspire wonder can provide a much-needed sense of perspective and appreciation for the beauty and mystery of the world around us.
If you want to read more on the importance, benefits, and ways to finding wonder in your life, here are a few stories/books to inspire you:
This segment from NPR is discussing the concept of wonder and its potential benefits for mental health and well-being. It suggests that Americans need to experience more wonder in their lives and that scientists who study emotions are realizing the importance of wonder. The author introduces a new series called Weekly Dose of Wonder, which will feature a short story related to wonder each week. The goal of the series is to trigger the emotion of wonder in the audience and provide ideas for how to find wonder in their own lives. The first installment of the series will feature NPR health correspondent Michaeleen Doucleff. We are greatly looking forward to future installments.
How to Grow Re-enchanted with the World: A Salve for the Sense of Existential Meaninglessness and Burnout - At times, we may experience a period of feeling like everything is meaningless, which can dull our sense of awe and wonder towards life. This sense of emptiness can make it difficult to see the world in a magical way and appreciate the beauty and miracles around us. We might call this state many names - burnout, apathy, or alienation. It can happen to anyone and is characterized by a desire to connect with something ancient and essential, to feel the world's magic and to find refuge in it, to rediscover the wonder that lies submerged beneath the surface of daily life. This article provides a great overview of Katherine May’s Enchantment: Awakening Wonder in an Anxious Age, and is a worthy and interesting read.
In "Your Guide to Forest Bathing," Amos Clifford, offers a gentle and meditative approach to experiencing nature that includes specific activities. Whether you find yourself in a forest, park, or your own backyard, this book provides a personal guide for discovering the wonders of the natural world in a way that may be entirely new to you. The mere act of being fully present in nature can have a transformative effect on our well-being, reconnecting us with the interconnectedness of all living things. This practice, known as "forest bathing," draws inspiration from the Japanese tradition of shinrin-yoku, inviting us to mindfully immerse ourselves in the natural world and heal our disconnection from it.