The Sense of Wonder
The invariable mark of wisdom is to see the miraculous in the common. — Emerson
Wonders abound in the day-to-day world. We only need to untangle ourselves from the biases and illusions binding our senses to realize the small miracles around us. Creative people know the feeling when the veils drop away and you embrace rapture. Personal rituals precede the ecstatic moment when what the Taoist call the Gate of All Wonders opens onto the Way — the clear path. Freed for precious moments from illusions, the eternal light illuminates the landscape and joy fills the wellspring of the imagination. Accepting the oneness of it all brings forth the blessed vitality that stirs the soul. This luminous spirit radiates from the artist’s heart into the work. But this is not reserved only for a limited group of special people — You, right now, have this power within you.
The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper. — W.B. Yeats
At this moment, what do you see? Look around at the space you are in right now. You may note the table, chair, window, pet, light, computer,… But do you sense the wonder? Can you feel the divine energy connecting you to each of these objects and to the oneness of it all? The illusions of various limitations prevent you from seeing the majesty of the moment. The complexities of life cloud the mind with: social interactions, obligations, appointments, deadlines,… All these are important but they stifle wonderment and weigh down the spirit. You must take time to nourish your spirit through solitude, meditation, daily rituals. These sacred moments summon the glorious now.
The more clearly we can focus our attention on the wonders and realities of the universe about us, the less taste we shall have for destruction. — Rachel Carson
Life contains a myriad of moments of amazement. But they are so easily dismissed when one is in a hurry to deal with seemingly endless problems. These unceasing issues arrive in debilitating gray swirls which dampen the spirit and sap the energy. By the days end there seems to be no time for YOU. The inner voice cries out for relief but finds none. There are many paths towards increased inner peace, but they all begin with a change in perceptions. The journey begins with the decision to change focus. Creation opens to those who look on with a sense of wonder.
Youth is happy because it has the capacity to see beauty. Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old. — Franz Kafka
Each day is an act of creation. Each hour is an expression of spirit. Every minute contains beauty. Knowing this keeps the heart young. Struggles are many and sometimes the rewards are few. But oh the beauties of this divine universe are many. No one can live in a constant state of euphoria. But each of us can wander this world more joyously if we see the inherent beauty of life. Connect to nature and the wonders of life all around. Take an electronic media fast. Put down the devices and simply BE.
Because philosophy arises from awe, a philosopher is bound in his way to be a lover of myths and poetic fables. Poets and philosophers are alike in being big with wonder. — Thomas Aquinas
Be big with wonder. Value your happiness and the happiness of those around you. Allow the sense of wonder to brighten your day. The present moment is a wheel ever-turning towards eternity. Today seek out the wonders great and small. The more often you look — the more you will begin to see the beautiful world around you with a sense of wonder. Peace
