Happy New Year, Readers!
Seeking out wonder is high on my 2025 list of intentions. Exploring this theme and finding resources with cultural threads has enlightened me. I hope this issue brings light into your New Year, too!
IN MY OWN WORDS
Believing, Redbud Hyphen, 12/2024: A little about Santa and Jesus; the beauty and gift of the work we are called to do as Christians.
My poetic Instagram response to “How’s the writing going?”
Filling My Days with Beauty, The Mudroom, 2/2023: I wrote this piece about the gift of museums, and intentionally seeking truth, goodness, and beauty in our lives.
The Wonder Report: Gifted at noticing and essay writing, Hoosier writer and librarian Charity Singleton Craig always shares insightful musings. (She even wrote the book on it, The Art of the Essay, which is a great writing resource.)
Wonder-full Books: Last year, I wrote a post on nature+culture books, and ‘naturally’ several integrate the element of wonder, including World of Wonders by Aimee Nezhukumatathi and Enchantment by Katherine May. (Here’s a recent Makers and Mystics episode with May.)
Templeton Ideas: A project of the the John Templeton Foundation whose vision is “inspiring awe and wonder” this podcast has several thought-provoking episodes including “Why We Wonder?” with Philosopher Helen De Cruz.
CONNECTION
After reading Dacher Keltner’s book, Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life, I feel smarter and called to advocate for seeking out everyday awe as a counter-measure to so much of what’s happening in the world.
“Wonder, the mental state of openness, questioning, curiosity, and embracing mystery arises out of experiences of awe.” — Dacher Keltner
He connects wonder and awe, and through research and storytelling, personal and collected, he discusses cultural and spiritual life as it relates to awe. In one chapter, he references the 2010 “double rainbow” video by Paul “Bear” Vasquez and I couldn’t help but re-visit (and share) it here.
As a way to connect with yourself, nature, God, or your people — I encourage you to seek out your version of a double rainbow experience!
ENCOURAGEMENT
My favorite poet, Mary Oliver, evokes wonder in many (if not all) of her poems. The way she captures moments, emotions, and the natural world is spellbinding. Her poem “Mindful” encourages us with her daily noticing of ‘common’ wonder.
How have you experienced WONDER in your life?
Share a story in the comments, I’d love to hear from you!