What if we began to look at the world around us with the eyes of a child? Bright, curious, and wide open with wonder.
Would the world we see be different? Would we?
I recently decided to carry out an experiment of my own by observing normal every day objects, with the sense of raw wonder at which children are best.
You can read my observations below. However, I can tell you that what I learned, at the very least, is that approaching the world with awe leads to greater appreciation for your surroundings. And we know from science that greater appreciation directly and positively correlates with a happier life, and improves over-all well being.
The point is, with gratitude comes deep joy. When we begin to look for the beauty and creativity in normal every day objects that we would otherwise over look, it becomes evident that opportunities for joy and inspiration exist all around us. And what we look for, we find.
Tree:
It’s fall here and tomorrow it will be winter. The leaves have turned a deep red. As if they’re bleeding over the loss of one season while simultaneously preparing for the next. There is always opportunity in loss. And this tree knows. Despite the changes, it stands tall and firm. Steady and unshaken. It trusts, in itself and the world, that there is more to come. That its story is not yet finished.
Rock:
Perhaps it has always been right here. Its position unobstructed by changing surroundings. Unnaturally white and large for its atmosphere, it basks in the sunlight and waits. It glimmers in hopes of catching the eyes of those passing by, as if it’s trying to give us a gift. Oh the stories this rock has to tell, if only it could speak. Perhaps it was brought here by man. No doubt perplexed by the reason for its relocation, but nevertheless accepting of its new role. People step on it, creatures use it for shelter, and some days it isn’t used at all. But it’s still there. It’s confident enough to just be.
Flower:
Or how about this flower. It doesn’t care that I don’t know its proper name. It doesn’t even mind that it stands virtually alone. One of the few plants in the area blooming as others die off. It happily continues to grow, so it won’t be like the rest. As long as it’s growing, it’s alive. And this flower most certainly enjoys being alive. As I watch, the wind grows stronger and the flower begins to sway. The two appear to be working together. The wind makes music so the flower can dance. It doesn’t seem to mind that it has no audience. It dances anyway. A carefree flower, no doubt.
I hope that these observations have inspired you to approach the world with a new pair of eyes. Or rather, to see the world with your own eyes, as they once were when you were a child. Doing so truly does open us up to a whole new world.
