The red shoes were unceremoniously roused from a long winter’s nap (in the back of their Pacifc Northwest closet) and safely stowed for the long journey to Bali, Indonesia.
I was curious to see if, even in distant lands, they would work their magic, inspiring learning and instilling their trademark lessons. They did not disappoint.
Visiting new places is exciting. Everything is a surprise. Locked in the present moment 100% of the time and breathing it all in…..the sights, the smells, the sounds, the people. This is what is feels like to be fully…….Alive!
All senses are ON. Auto pilot is OFF.
On vacation we wake up embracing the day. Jumping out of bed we make plans to see and do amazing things. We immerse ourselves in experiences, capturing memories we can relive over and over once we return home. Vacation stories are full of zing and told with great enthusiasm and spark. We are in fun mode, and fully engaged in life. It’s an “OH WOW”—every day!
It makes me wonder what life would be like if we approached each day like this.
What if on non vacation days we listened intently, observed like we wanted to commit every detail and nuance to memory, with curiousity piqued and minds bursting we sought to uncover the who, what, where, when and why of everything. I’m laughing as I write. Doesn’t this sound like……..children? I remember those days…one in particular stands out – Kelly age 4 asked 12 questions during one red light. Children see through fresh eyes, ready to learn, play and explore. It’s a sense of wonder…that guides every moment of every day.
I looked up the definition of wonder here it is – rapt attention or astonishment at something awesomely mysterious or new to ones experience.
In my pursuit of fearlessly (re)discovering myself I’m aiming to view the world—my world- through new/fresh/vacation eyes. I vow to take back something I used to have….my sense of wonder. I seek to find “Oh WOW” experiences every day.
reACTION [to change in the response to stimulus]: “OH WOW” watch this
Wonder gifts us with a young, fearless spirit for life. I recently watched a TED Talk featuring a (very) young woman – Adora Svitak. She says the world needs childish thinking: bold ideas, wild creativity and especially optimism. Kid’s big dreams deserve high expectations, she says, starting with grownups’ willingness to learn from children as much as to teach. It was an “OH WOW” 8 minutes!
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