#79: Sense of Wonder

A BRIEF MEDITATION

See that light blue speck in the middle of the photo? That's a snapshot of Earth (“Pale Blue Dot”) taken by the Voyager 1 space probe in 1990. Vast amounts of space surround the tiny blip we call home. For an endlessly empty stretch, there's nothing to see, hear, taste, smell, or touch.

Given just how much space surrounds us, it's incredible we're able to experience anything at all. What if we saw each moment as nothing short of a miracle?

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QUOTE OF THE WEEK

There is a commonly held belief that the beautiful feelings we experience — the "throbs of amazement" and "empathic pings" — are caused by external things happening around us. That we feel joy because we’re in the presence of a beautiful setting, like a sunset, or experiencing a major life event, like the birth of a child.

While it’s true some events "open" us to awe & joy more easily, we have much more control over our inner weather than we might think.

Creating bliss is an inside job.

Our ability to direct our full attention toward the present moment is what stops time and induces wonder. Not the sunset.

Drinking a cup of tea. Washing a plate. Scribbling something down. Waiting in line at the grocery store. All of these can be moments steeped in deep appreciation.

Our sense of wonder is built on the attention we feed it.

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HOW TO FIND YOUR WAY BACK TO WONDER (AND STAY THERE)

If you're ever around children, their inherent sense of awe is often unmistakable. That’s because wonder is an innate part of being human. It sharpens our senses, allowing us to see the world as a vibrant and richly textured playground.

But just like a muscle we stop using, our ability to marvel at the world weakens over time. Here are some habits that strengthen & recharge our sense of wonder.

Prime your attention to the present.

The following exercise empowers us to see our surroundings with a fresh perspective:

Start by closing your eyes for one minute. Focus your awareness on your body's location. When you open your eyes, imagine you're seeing your surroundings for the first time:

What colors, textures, and shapes do you notice? What can you hear? How about smell? What makes no sense if you were seeing it for the first time?

Nurturing this level of attention to your immediate environment can stimulate swells of joyful curiosity into the rest of your day.

Never stop questioning.

The pursuit of truth is the gateway to wonder. If you've unlocked an insight, come up with additional follow-up questions.

For example, if you grasped the basics of machine learning, you might wonder, “What makes certain algorithms work better than others? What does better even look like?”

No matter how far your learning takes you, make it a habit to generate more questions than you have answers.

Actively seek out different perspectives on any topic.

When we start doing this, two important things happen:

First, we adopt curiosity as our default state, even when opinions run against our prevailing beliefs.

Secondly, we begin detecting deeper connections that unite different schools of thought, patterns woven among seemingly separate subject matters. These “epiphanies” are highly effective at evoking a sense of wonder.

Embrace a "polymath" mindset.

Polymaths are people who cultivate a deep understanding of a wide range of subjects. (What one might call, in today’s age, a multi-hyphenate.)

In addition to being more creative, polymaths also have an unstoppable desire to learn everything.

Here’s why: Exploring unfamiliar topics enables your brain to generate more and more of those epiphanies we mentioned earlier. These neural connections boost your intrinsic motivation and drive a deeper yearning to learn even more. This momentum becomes your default state.

HOW TO START

Identify an area of interest, and brainstorm 5 questions about the subject. "Why" questions are the best for this kind of thinking.

A good way to brainstorm questions is to start learning about something you know little to nothing about. Listen to Walter Isaacson's biography on Leonardo Da Vinci (arguably the most famous polymath that’s ever lived). Or read about a geologist's perspective on how humans might be able to thrive on Mars. Let your brain run free.

MENTOR OF THE WEEK

Jane Goodall has always had an extraordinary ability to concentrate her awe and admiration for the natural world and transform it into action.

In her book, Seeds of Hope: Wisdom and Wonder from the World of Plants, Goodall takes us on a journey spanning the complex and fascinating world of plants. Borrowing her trained eye, we can see what's captured her attention for decades, from the unfathomable diversity to the way plants support and sustain other life on Earth.

Like her book, her inspiring and immersive observations are only half of the story. She channels the power of curiosity to deepen her connection to the natural world. As a result, she’s driven to protect these vital organisms. Wonder fuels action. Action fuels more wonder.

Where is your wonder driving you?

IT’S ALL GOOD (NEWS)

Here are a few stories that may spark curiosity and wonder. ✨

• 👩🏽‍🦱 Equality: New California Law Allows Employee Leave for Pregnancy Loss

• 🤧 Health: How Zinc Helps You Fight Off Infections, Including Colds

• 🎭 Culture: Met Museum Is Returning Looted Ancient Art to Cambodia and Thailand

• 🧪 Progress: Scientist Discover How to Convert CO2 into Powder That Can Be Stored for Decades