Opening to Awe
At our most recent Rivertown Gratefulness Gathering, we dove into the topic of awe in a variety of ways. I am in awe that a group of ten people thousands of miles apart and on Zoom could feel so connected. Thank you all for being there.
There is much to ponder about awe. Pondering it and searching for it are worthy endeavors.
When searching for awe . . .
*Don’t search too hard. Search easily. It is all around. Everyday awe is right here, right now.
*Start with a few breaths and feel the surface you are standing on or being supported by. Really breathe. Really feel.
*Go outside. Stay indoors. Seek alone. Or in the company of others.
*Go to a new place. Stay in a familiar place and look with different eyes at what you see many times a day.
*Find it in the actions, kindnesses, and courage shown by fellow humans. (Looking for the good in others is easier when I stop judging others and myself.)
*Engage all of your senses, or give one special focus. Our senses always deliver.
*Have reasonable expectations. Awe can be found anywhere at anytime. It won’t always be an oceanside sunset or a mountain vista. It can still be profound and energizing.
*Remember that it is good for you–body, mind, heart, and soul. You don’t have time? Consider it like you do exercise or eating healthy. Worth your time and effort. A little bit of awe is better than none.
*Take pictures you can return to later, or take a mental picture you can store in your heart and soul.
Here are a couple I just took:
My left palm and the random lines of a life of nearly 58 years. I am in awe of this left hand that now gets to help me with my writing on keyboards, when for decades it held the paper or the journal, a secondary support to my writing right hand. Thank you left hand. I have never told you before how much I appreciate you.
A soothing pattern on the base of our garden window, chosen by the previous home owner. I see five white diamonds and four green ones. They are appealing and comforting to the eye. That is all. That is enough.
