Our recent trip to Costa Rica reminded me about the joys of adventure. When we see and experience new things, it awakens the spirit of wonder and discovery. And for me, this includes appreciation: when I’m discovering new things, I’m appreciating their unique qualities and I feel open and alive. But could I experience this kind of aliveness at home?
Absolutely! I’ve been intentionally creating new experiences for myself at home: dance classes, walking down different streets, talking with new people. And I’ve been creating so much delight in this! I let myself really take in the sights, scents and sounds as I walk. I get curious and inquisitive. The other day, I went down a street in Arcata I may have never walked on before. And wow! There was so much discovery just in that block: the houses, the flowers, the sounds! A whole new world opened up to me. Arcata just got bigger!!
A cool thing is, I brought that same discovery with me as I walked down familiar streets as well! I let myself open to the colors, the feel of the air on my skin, the quality of the light. And I felt alive.
Discovery and wonder are states of mind. We can bring them everywhere if we choose. We can bring them to the same old streets and people or we can bring them to new experiences.
And when we bring wonder into our communication, it completely changes the game. Consider the difference in the quality of the connection between thinking you are right vs. being open to consider the other person’s point of view. Can you sense how the in the first scenario you’re more closed and disconnected and in the second, more open and connected? Wonder not only helps us to connect to and appreciate our surroundings, but it helps us to make a deeper connection with one another.
Children have a knack for living in wonder. I love how the wondrous child takes in every detail so intently. Everything is amazing and new! As adults, we can take inspiration from them. And in doing so, we’ll feel uplifted and more fully engaged with one another, with ourselves and with life.
How can you create wonder for yourself today?
Can you see your office, your kids, your house, your mate with new eyes today?
Can you taste that carrot or coffee with fresh taste buds? Can you listen with curious ears?
Try letting yourself wonder about what might happen instead of expecting or dreading what might happen.
Let me know how it goes!! I’d love to hear about your experiences!!
To your fulfilling and engaged life,
Robyn Smith
P.S. I’m about to start my Get Heard Free 5-Day Challenge. It’s basically a FREE online communication workshop where I’ll be sharing how to use wonder and discovery in your communication. You can register here and it’s totally FREE!
