Dear Friend,
Author Henry Miller wrote, “The moment one gives close attention to anything, even a blade of grass, it becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribably magnificent world in itself.”
I’ve been fascinated by the concept of awe lately. It’s been an especially challenging year for me; although the challenges continue, I’m handling them differently. By embracing “moments of awe,” I’ve been guided away from overwhelm and fear into acceptance and trust.
This cure for my blues became apparent when I noticed that no matter what I was going through, when the two little boys next door (who are my honorary grandkids) were with me, everything changed. Immediately my life was transformed from what seemed like massive problems to light, laughter, and love. Instantly and effortlessly! We laugh as if we’re the same age, we have conversations about issues that have me wondering how they ever thought of them and, following their lead, we find awe in wondrous simplicities.
I decided to challenge myself to find those moments even when I’m alone and don’t have the brilliant guidance of my boys, so I started an Awe List. During her 1995 appearance on Oprah’s show, Sarah Ban Breathnach introduced us to the gratitude list in her massive best seller, Simple Abundance. Have you found yourself slacking off on those lists from their original intention? Do you often repeat that you’re thankful for your family, friends, pets, a roof over your head, enough money for your needs and wants, etc.? Or do you still imbed it with the variety and intention you used at the beginning of the magical gratitude habit?
What would your Awe List look like? I definitely include the moments with the kids and there are lots of them. The only time I ever looked at the moon was when I would walk them outside to go home and they would exclaim, “Amy! Look at the moon!” Now, I remember to look when I’m alone. When the boys are telling me about something that happened at school, I’m so excited they’re sharing I am totally present and can appreciate the awe of that moment. Now I have those moments with friends because I try to duplicate the joy that complete awareness brings. Maybe you’re one of those people
(I wasn’t) who have always noticed and appreciated the trees as you drive by them, the blue sky as you’re walking even a short distance, or the soft breeze that feels like a caress to you. What if you wrote those moments down? That will transform them into more than a moment. They’ll become anchored in your memory, and you will attract and notice them even more often.
Recently, I was in awe when the 10-year-old saw me over the fence and yelled, “Amy, can I come get a hug?” Having someone that young be that thoughtful took my breath away. When the 8-year-old spontaneously asked me a deeply personal question with all the naivete and pure curiosity of a child, I was touched and answered it more thoughtfully than I ever had. When they dance with excitement at the announcement they can have a sleepover at my house, my heart explodes. I’m in awe and they taught me to revere, not just appreciate, those moments. It’s organic to experience awe with them, and now I am working on a way to make it organic to experience it on my own…right now, I’m still having to make a concerted effort but I’m getting better and it’s becoming more natural.
Will you join me in Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s challenge: “Without awe, life becomes routine…try to be surprised by something every day. Try to surprise at least one person every day.”
Let’s attempt to surprise each other with respect, reverence, and wonderment!
With gratitude,
Amy