“Awe is the feeling of being in the presence of something vast that transcends your current understanding of the world.” – Dacher Keltner

As long as I can remember, and before I could name it, I’ve sought this feeling of awe.

Not sure where this desire originated – likely a combination of nature and nurture. I read a lot as a child. I was in dance classes and participated in music festivals. I didn’t go anywhere without my radio and a sketchbook. And I also have been told that I aggravated teachers and faith leaders with endless questions that began with “why”.

As an adult, the times I have struggled have been those where I have abandoned the search or the awareness of awe – for unrewarding work, for perceived obligations, for long hours away from loved ones, for too much exposure to negative energies.

Just before my 50th birthday, I’d had enough. I quit my job. I applied to a doctorate program. I persuaded dear friends to take a walking trip with me through Italian vineyards, just as I started sommelier classes. Basically I went in search of everyday awe and wonder again. Not the “big stuff” of life, but where it exists in my day.

Since then, I’ve experienced many rough patches, like we all do. But the older I become, the stronger my desire grows to seek out, understand, and experience this mysterious feeling. And share it with others.

In his book, “Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life”, Dacher Keltner’s research has uncovered that experiencing awe makes us feel part of something larger than ourselves and deeply connected to it. I have found comfort and hope in this sense of connection to a vast network of wonder.

I’m not proposing this as a self-help regime to fix all ills. Nor am I suggesting we swap out our entire worldview for a sunny, rosy one – it’s important to be aware of all that is happening. For me though, I cannot take a steady diet of negativity – I require balance and this wonder-lust I have appears to be an important element in my equilibrium.

Maybe it’s not for you – hopefully you have your own way and that’s a blessing.

I am excited to continue my own exploration so I will be here – sharing where and how everyday awe and wonder shows up in my experience and what I’m learning about it.

I am so curious about your experiences too so connect with me here to share your thoughts and wondrous endeavours.

Ciao,

Marion