Day Eleven: Wander & Wonder
Wandering in nature without a specific purpose can bring out a sense of wonder that may have been left behind in our childhood. When we are unable to detach from the stresses at work, adult responsibilities, and every day worries we can be left missing feelings of mystery and beauty in the world around us. We can also feel disconnected from our connection to the wild when we lose our enchantment with it. Beyond this, finding a state of wonder and awe has been proven to improve physical and mental health, including lowering the risk of depression, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and arthritis this study. Just think about a time when you've really felt awe about something and how that made you feel- it was probably pretty good.
Even if these feelings of wonder are just for a short time, we can still enjoy the benefits. Ever have a song come on the radio that sparked feelings of awe? Have you ever glanced at a picture of someone you love and felt joy? It can be that simple.
Meditation: Listen to this meditation- Live in Wonder by Padma Gordon
Activity: Find a place in nature where you can wander around. Allow yourself to be guided by nature and whatever your mind comes up with, especially if it seems silly or playful. Maybe you are guided to a hollowed out log and you are inspired to look inside. Maybe you are guided to put your bare feet in the mud and squish it between your toes or to croak back to a bullfrog in the pond. Whatever it is, don’t judge it and just allow.
Write in your journal the following:
Share: What inspired wonder in you today? Share a photo of it with the Facebook group.
Affirmation: Recite the following affirmation out loud: “ I am full of wonder for the world around me. This wonder strengthens my connection to the wild.”
Go back to:
Introduction
Day One
Day Two
Day Three
Day Four
Day Five
Day Six
Day Seven
Day Eight
Day Nine
Day Ten
Even if these feelings of wonder are just for a short time, we can still enjoy the benefits. Ever have a song come on the radio that sparked feelings of awe? Have you ever glanced at a picture of someone you love and felt joy? It can be that simple.
Meditation: Listen to this meditation- Live in Wonder by Padma Gordon
Activity: Find a place in nature where you can wander around. Allow yourself to be guided by nature and whatever your mind comes up with, especially if it seems silly or playful. Maybe you are guided to a hollowed out log and you are inspired to look inside. Maybe you are guided to put your bare feet in the mud and squish it between your toes or to croak back to a bullfrog in the pond. Whatever it is, don’t judge it and just allow.
Write in your journal the following:
- What does wonder mean to you? When was the last time you were in awe of something naturally?
- What does wonder and awe feel like in your body? Where do you feel it?
- Did anything in the wild inspire wonder in you today?
Share: What inspired wonder in you today? Share a photo of it with the Facebook group.
Affirmation: Recite the following affirmation out loud: “ I am full of wonder for the world around me. This wonder strengthens my connection to the wild.”
Go back to:
Introduction
Day One
Day Two
Day Three
Day Four
Day Five
Day Six
Day Seven
Day Eight
Day Nine
Day Ten