Cultivate a Sense of Awe and Wonder
/Splendor in the grass: hay seed high against a blue sky
“For lack of attention, a thousand forms of loveliness elude us every day. ”
Life is rich and beautiful, full of wonders. But you have to develop the eyes to see them, and attune your soul to works of God that surround you. Becoming aware is a process of waking up and learning to notice the details that you usually miss.
It is so easy to become caught up in the mundane aspects of life. You get up, go to work, come home to routine chores, watch TV or read the paper, go to bed, and then do it all again the next day. But life is not just a round of chores and work. It’s a vast and amazing mystery.
The night sky is full of starry wonder. Take the time to look up. A kiss from your beloved, a rose blooming in the sun, a squirrel’s antics—any of these can remind you of the mystery and greatness of creation.
Be aware of tiny details. What do you see when you wake up? What do you hear, smell, sense? Pay attention to what is happing around you. Look at a loved one’s face as if you are seeing him or her for the first time. Extend your awareness to the Divine Presence that resides in your heart.
Lift your spirits by cultivating awareness and appreciation of the world around you—and within you. When you see a beautiful sunset, clap your hands with appreciation. When you hold a newborn baby, croon your praises to the creator of all life. Let awe and wonder fill your heart, reminding you that you stand on the threshold of infinite possibilities.
• Activity: Write a poem, sing a song of praise, or create a piece of art to express your appreciation and thankfulness for the Divine Mystery of life itself.
• Affirmation: I affirm the beauty and wonder of life, and see in its infinite possibilities my own possibilities for growth and grace.
