Wonder is How I Understand My World
Why Art, Nature, Music and the Unknown keep me wondering and wandering
“Wonder is a complex feeling that creates a heightened state of consciousness and emotion. It’s akin to curiosity, but it’s more expansive in scope and contains attributes of surprise and joy. It has been defined in scientific literature as our innate desire to understand the world, which simmers inside each of us waiting to be ignited. Wonder often seeds our curiosity.” From the book Your Brain on Art: pg 174
I’m naturally curious and intuitive. I feel my best in nature, especially near the ocean. When I’m home working, I often play music and get up and dance, just because it feels good.
In a world that seems to be driven by technology and where most people no longer say hello with their heads buried in their phones, I often feel like an anachronism.
I love to greet people with a smile or a simple “Bom dia.” It’s returned, and in a moment, we each made each other’s day.
Beauty by the ocean.
I don’t want to lose my sense of awe and wonder, and I don’t want you to either. When I feel like I may be getting too serious, I go to nature with an intention or focus. I may decide to notice the color green, yellow, or purple that day. I take photos with my phone and return to write about what I observed. It brings me back into a state of gratitude, presence, and creativity.
If you feel like you’re stuck at work or in your writing, try choosing a focus and go out and look for it. Photograph it. Then, write about or paint or draw it. I promise it will inspire you, and that stuckness will dissipate.
Don’t forget to smile at others, too. That will fill up both your cups!
