Awe-- What takes your breath away?

We all have moments of wonder in our lives. Things and times that just astonish and amaze us. Whether it is the sound of a child’s laughter, a magnolia tree in full blossom, an eagle in flight or (maybe I should say “and”) an act of kindness. But often we don’t take the time to spot and savour these everyday moments. We save our appreciation for the obvious – like the site of an ancient monument on our travels. We miss the opportunity to savour what is all around us all the time.

The more we appreciate all the everyday wonders in our lives, the more we connect with the world around us and with each other. We begin to see the opportunity to open to wonder on a daily basis and to just be amazed at the small miracles around us all the time. It transforms our view of the world and our lives which are often busy, rushed and at times frustrating.

For me sinking into these moments and relishing them, puts things in perspective. I can have a terrible drive that takes twice as long as it should, with impatient drivers doing crazy things and still smile as I pass that magnolia tree on my street. Suddenly, I am grateful and happy. The drive is a distant memory and my world is full of beauty. I walk in my front door in a good mood still thinking about that tree.