We are Here to Feel, Wonder, and Gaze-Daily Meditation 2.8.23

Today’s quotation:

We are here to feel, wonder and gaze in awe at the world. Instead of just teaching our children how to use things and do things, I suggest we nourish their sense of wonder.-Bernie Siegel

Today’s Meditation:

Do you wonder about the world?  Can you look at the eyes of a child, the leaves on the trees, the rain falling from the sky, and feel a sense of amazement that something so wonderful can actually be here on this planet with us?  Can you look at or listen to the beauty and feel a sense of appreciation for having the privilege to see or hear what you’re experiencing?  Do you walk by that tree, that flower, that skyscraper, that river without stopping to consider just how miraculous it is?

Sometimes our lives overwhelm us and keep us from noticing some of the more beautiful things surrounding us.  Our judgmental natures keep us from seeing how many incredible people we genuinely relate to.  Our fears or frustration keep us focused on things that aren’t wonderful while the amazing things go unnoticed and unappreciated.  If this is the case, we need to do the work necessary to ensure that we’re not so jaded and tired that we don’t take advantage of the fantastic things of the world and that we don’t stop and wonder at beautiful things.

Many people can’t see the benefit of wondering about the world.  What it does is simple:  it deepens our respect for and appreciation for this fantastic world in which we live.  And when we see the world as a fantastic place, we can also appreciate just how amazing we are, our thought processes, the ways our bodies function, and the feelings we have and share.

With a keen sense of wonder, we’ll never be bored, not with ourselves and our place in life.  When we can wonder at the world, our lives will be filled with positive emotions that can lift us up above what others see as lame and boring. The feelings we nurture will enrich us beyond any expectations we could ever have when we cannot wonder.

Questions to consider about We are Here to Feel:

What are some things within your sight that deserve your wonder right now?

Why do we start to see the world as mundane and lose the sense of wonder we had as children?

How might we get back into the habit of wondering or reclaim the ability to do so?

For further thought:

When we know that each moment of each day, each gesture and step we take, is truly mystical and full of wonder, we will live our lives with greater thought and care.  We will also have more tremendous respect and appreciation for the lives of others.-Daisaku Ikeda

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