Pause to Wonder

“He who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead; his eyes are closed.” – Albert Einstein

In her book, The Inner Work of Racial Justice, author Rhonda Magee shares a definition of contemplation she learned at the Jesuit university where she teaches: “a long, loving look at the real.”

What if what is real is beyond what our physical senses can experience? What if there are possibilities and potentials for a joyful future that we can’t see? Focusing on and really seeing the ugliness in front of us (or in the news headlines) is important to bring about real change and it can lead to depression and despair if done too long.

The gifts of wonder, awe, and imagination — that children have in abundance — are not childish ways of being in this world. They are lifesavers right now. They can help us imagine a future of a United States of America building towards peace, justice, security, and liberty for all.

If you feel far from the gift of wonder, we invite you to join Annie Spade for her workshop Reclaim Wonder on the morning of Halloween.

May you seek and find many opportunities to experience wonder and awe today. And, may you end your day in wonder as you gaze up at the night sky.