Beyond the daily grind, there’s a profound source of sustenance ready to be rediscovered. Allow me to guide you on this journey.
As the energy of summer swells, I am compelled to seek a deeper intimacy with a sensation more captivating than any other. This sensation draws me to bask in the soothing light as I claim my source of nourishment: A Sense of Wonder.
What is this sensation that ushers us to a realm we refer to as wonder?
Much like curiosity, our ability to wonder emerges when we carve out space for the unknown. This space encourages us to release our attachments to what we believe we know, letting go of our expectations as we welcome the next moment.
Yet, in contrast to gentle curiosity, wonder invites us to invest more profoundly.
Simply bringing my curiosity into a situation functions differently than opting to infuse it with wonder. A sense of wonder requires a greater commitment.
As I start to uncover, this commitment relates to the frameworks we have (or have not) established for ourselves. It may not necessarily be about discarding our existing frameworks, but rather becoming more selective about which ones to utilize and when. My “Birthday Lembrancinhas” serves as a personal illustration of how the rhythm and playful approach of forming new frameworks, inspired by wonder, manifests for me.
While our senses of taste, smell, sound, touch, and sight are closely tied to our thinking mind and external surroundings, our capacity to access the awe of wonder appears to transcend our thoughts and the physical realm. The path of wonder beckons us to a way of life that perpetually welcomes the mysterious nature of existence.
This welcoming necessitates that we release frameworks (such as patterns of haste and distraction) that divide us while also forging frameworks (like A Year of Wonder) that bring us together.
With ‘allow-ness’ as its foundation, wonder acts as a bridge connecting us to the core essence of our being.
Far from being passive, the force of this discerning type of allow-ness enlightens our vision. It’s the kind of embrace that reveals the world in a new light, dissipating our anxieties, frustrations, or the dreaded mindset of “why bother.” However, inviting this nourishing embrace of wonder requires intentional effort. It calls for action to move beyond the habits that confine us.
Your June Challenge: Embrace Allow-ness
This month, let’s actively welcome more wonder into our lives. This is not about passive hope; it’s a deliberate, mindful practice. Here’s your impactful three-step challenge to foster a deeper connection and sense of awe:
Step 1: Ignite Your Inner Awe
This week, create intentional space for an experience that truly stirs you. Perhaps it’s a yoga session where you attentively follow your instructor’s guidance, experiencing the unity of breath and movement, honoring the sheer wonder of your body’s innate wisdom. Or it could simply be admiring the night sky, genuinely observing the stars. The aim is to intentionally draw yourself closer to that feeling of awe.
Step 2: Weave Wonder into Daily Life
For the next six days, keep that gateway to awe wide open. This means actively weaving in moments of sensory pleasure and presence. Engage all your senses as you take a mindful stroll in the woods — attentively listening to the birds, truly feeling the sun’s warmth on your skin, deeply inhaling the fragrance of flowers.
Step 3: Cultivate a Consistent Connection
Strengthen your pledge to eliminate distractions and enhance your capacity for wonder. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 for three more consecutive weeks. Each repetition fortifies your ability to allow wonder to enrich your daily experience.
This Challenge serves as a splendid warm-up for your ‘Year of Wonder’! A heightened sense of awe, presence, and joy awaits us beyond this month. So, in the spirit of allow-ness, I encourage you to nurture this connection more intentionally as a way of life — in a playful manner and a slow, steady rhythm.
In celebration of my 55th birthday and a sentiment surrounding “Lembrancinhas,” I’m offering a special gift: Join me for A Year of Wonder.🌻