A sense of awe and wonder is important

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?