A World of Wonder
Sides of Wonder
Pondering the Many
Wonder is a subject I have taken for granted, like happiness and love.
I experience wonder each and every day in a myriad of ways.
Wonder has many facets:
- Curiosity
- Speculation
- Astonishment
- Admiration
- Marvel
- Miracles
Wonder has many perspectives...
"I think at a child's birth, if a mother could ask a fairy godmother to endow it with the most useful gift, that gift would be curiosity."
— Eleanor RooseveltCuriosity
I wonder what the world would be like without...
I was one of those kids. Mom would write years later in her Journal that my favorite word was why.
Me...I considered myself naturally curious.
Curiosity killed the cat. Why? The cat has nine lives after all...!
I appreciate routine. Still, with the simple act of brushing one's teeth comes an implied list of benefits -- ie.) the whys!
I am especially intrigued with the curiosity of our unique personalities. I revel in this aspect of my chosen professions of nursing and teaching, readily admitting a spillover in my personal life. Curiosity is a part of wonder.
"If the world were good for nothing else, it is a fine subject for speculation."
— William HazlittSpeculation
I wonder what the world would be like without...
Life, people and behaviors are mysterious and complex at times. Even the most curious of personalities can be baffled by it all.
Speculation is a form of wonder that involves creativity and imagination.
Speculation is an opinion when other forms of verification are not possible.
Speculation is one's best guess based on facts as presented.
Aretha Franklin: I Wonder (Where You Are Tonight)
"The way to do research is to attack the facts at the point of greatest astonishment."
— Celia GreenAstonishment
I wonder what the world would be like without...
Can you remember the last time you were completely and thoroughly astonished? Were you pleasantly surprised?
On a recent field trip, my sister and I happened upon a roadside Cafe in a small town. Totally on faith, we stopped in.
Although the place was crawling with locals and tourists, we were instantly seated. The tables were intimately placed but we did not feel like sardines.
There was a wide mix of ages. Everyone was chatting, yet we could easily hear our own conversation.
The staff was efficient, courteous and everyone was wearing a heartfelt smile. The service was relaxed but we were checked on frequently.
Our meals were out of this world, clearly worth the wait and so reasonable in price.
I know my sister would agree that it was an astonishingly wonderful experience, one that we shall not soon forget.
Carly Simon: Something Wonderful
"To love is to admire with the heart. To admire is to love with the mind."
— Theophile GautierAdmiration
I wonder what the world would be like without...
I appreciate the wonder in true, unadulterated skill and talent. I greatly admire this, as a matter of fact.
Recently, I sat in a trance, listening to several YouTubes that my friend, Vicki, sent me of a child prodigy in her life, who plays the violin and the piano with the proficiency of a master. Yet, her demeanor carries the innocence and humility of the child she is...a truly admirable quality.
I have seen other extremely talented people who have an air of bravado or grandiosity, greatly diminishing their artful creativity, if truth be told.
"Life never becomes a habit to me. It's always a marvel."
— Katherine MansfieldMarvel
I wonder what the world would be like without...
Habits are often called routine. I take exception with that.
I make a habit of meeting new people whenever I can, in real time or virtually speaking... I find wonder in this practice.
Walking with my best gal pal, Aunt Baby, is one of the best ways to meet and greet new people and pooches as we explore the world of our neighborhood. Her gentle and sweet disposition is a natural magnet for the start of many a wondrous connection.
I can have a running conversation with a complete stranger in a grocery line, only to find out we have a mutual acquaintaince along life's journey. That is a marvel to me.
When I read a friend's hub, finding a thoughtful comment, I try to look that person up when I have the time. I have made the most extraordinary friends in this way. Marvelous people tend to attract the same kinds of people in their lives.
Sarah Brightman: What A Wonderful World
"Miracles are what happens when you get out of the way of yourself."
— Brad SzolloseMiracles
I wonder what the world would be like without ...
Well, I wouldn't be alive today without a miracle.
I was meant to die in 1999. For reasons I will never understand, my life was spared.
I still wonder at the circumstances of it all. I continue to feel blessed and grateful as I greet each day.
I think miracles are contagious. Miracles take faith. Miracles start with a dream.
Dreams are filled with wonder and possibility. Dreams are the foundation for hope.
Although I recognize my need for a practical and organized approach to life, I have learned to love the balance involved with my creativity and sense of wonder.
Life is meant to be experienced, enjoyed and cherished, filled with ordinary miracles.
Thanks to my Perspectives team mates and loyal readers for sharing my wonder with me, mar.
© Maria Jordan (revised July, 2015)
Sarah McLachlan: Ordinary Miracle
Ordinary Miracles
Sung by Sarah McLachlan
It's not that unusual
When everything is beautiful
It's just another ordinary miracle today
The sky knows when it's time to snow
Don't need to teach a seed to grow
It's just another ordinary miracle today
Life is like a gift they say
Wrapped up for you everyday
Open up and find a way
To give some of your own
Isn't it remarkable
Like every time a raindrop falls
It's just another ordinary miracle today
Birds in winter have their fling
Will always make it home by spring
It's just another ordinary miracle today
When you wake up everyday
Please don't throw your dreams away
Hold them close to your heart
'Cause we're all a part of the ordinary miracle
Ordinary miracle
Do you want to see a miracle?
It seems so exceptional
The things just work out after all
It's just another ordinary miracle today
Sun comes up and shines so bright
And disappears again at night
It's just another ordinary miracle today
It's just another ordinary miracle today
Songwriters BALLARD, GLEN / STEWART, DAVID ALLAN
