A sense of awe and wonder was an important part of my childhood, but somewhere along life's journey, I lost it.
I remember lying on the grass for hours, watching clouds
drift across the sky. One moment I could see a sailing ship, the next a giant
dog or a smiling face. The wind would change, and a new picture would appear. I
was completely absorbed by the experience.
As I grew older and became focused on work, ambition, and
the responsibilities of everyday life, I slowly misplaced that sense of wonder.
When my children were young, I rediscovered it. Seeing the world through their
eyes reminded me to stop, notice, and appreciate the little miracles around us.
I hope I also helped them keep the sense of awe that fuels curiosity throughout
life.
Now, in my 80th year, I am grateful to have found that sense
of wonder again.
While thinking about this topic, I came across a quote that
caught my attention:
"Practicing awe quiets the inner critic, elevates
your vagal tone, reduces stress, deepens connection, and improves long-term
markers of brain health."
I wasn't familiar with the term vagal tone, so I
looked it up. Vagal tone refers to how well the vagus nerve functions. This
nerve is a key part of the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps regulate
heart rate, digestion, immune function, and our body's ability to recover from
stress.
A healthy vagal tone contributes to better emotional
regulation, a steadier heart rate, improved digestion, and greater resilience.
Fortunately, it can be strengthened through regular exercise, slow breathing,
mindfulness, meditation, and yes, even moments of awe.
The real skill isn't finding awe. It's learning to notice
it.
We live in a world that constantly competes for our
attention. News alerts, deadlines, and endless distractions keep our minds
racing. Awe interrupts that cycle. Research shows it can calm the mind, relax
the body, reduce stress, and strengthen our sense of connection with both
nature and other people.
The wonderful thing is that awe isn't reserved for
extraordinary experiences. It can be found in a single leaf glowing in the
sunlight, the kindness of a stranger, a favourite piece of music, or the
colours of the evening sky. We simply need to slow down long enough to notice.
Here are a few simple ways to invite more awe into your
daily life.
Take a walk in nature. Instead of rushing, pause to notice
the details, the pattern on a leaf, the shape of a tree, the colours of a
flower, or the sound of birds.
Spend a few minutes stargazing. You don't need a telescope.
Looking up at the vastness of the night sky is often enough to remind us how
remarkable our world really is.
Practice mindful observation. Sit quietly in your backyard,
a park, or beside a window. Focus on one sense at a time. Listen carefully to
the sounds around you. Notice the colours and movement you see. Breathe in the
scents of the season.
I've also found it helpful to pause several times each day
and appreciate something small, a wildflower growing through a crack in the
sidewalk, the changing colours of a sunset, or the intricate design of a
flower. These moments take only seconds, but they stay with us.
Keeping an awe journal can deepen the experience. Write down
the moments that surprised or inspired you. The value isn't simply recording
them; it's returning later to reflect on what you saw, heard, or felt. Those
reflections often reveal just how much beauty surrounds us.
Awe can also be found in people. Witnessing an act of
kindness, volunteering in your community, attending a concert or art exhibit,
cheering with others at a sporting event, or listening to someone share an
inspiring story can all awaken that same feeling of wonder and connection.
The more we notice these moments, the more they seem to
appear.
For me, experiencing awe means looking at the world through
the eyes of a child, not because we ignore life's challenges, but because we
choose to remain curious, grateful, and open to the beauty that surrounds us
every day.
When was the last time you stopped, looked closely, and
allowed yourself to be filled with wonder?
