7 May 2021

Tea time reflection: Welcome Wonder and be in awe

There is wonder all around and within me. In the unfolding of every day, moments of wonder can touch my inner being and leave me in awe. This month, I am welcoming Wonder. Join me as I reflect with a cup of Breathe at my side.

Welcome Wonder and be in Awe

While we are celebrating the making and accolades of My Octopus Teacher , I wonder why the story of deep connection between a man and an octopus captured the imagination of the world.  Was it the experience of learning more about the life cycle and ingenious ways of the Octopus or being taken underwater into the ebb and flow of life within the Kelp forest? Could it be the absolute dedication of Craig Foster to enter the cold Atlantic Ocean daily no matter the conditions, or the story of his personal transformation that he narrates during the film? Whatever it was, I think everyone was left in awe, and maybe even deeply touched as they experienced the wonder of this story.  

There is wonder all around and within me. In the unfolding of every day, moments of wonder can touch my inner being and leave me in awe. This month, I am welcoming Wonder. Join me as I reflect with a cup of Breathe at my side.

I cannot put on goggles and dive into the ocean to be met by an octopus, but I can put my finger on my pulse and feel the consistent beating of my heart. Maybe move my hand to my chest, feel the slight warmth and pressure and become aware of the immense wonder of my beating heart, pumping oxygen-rich blood through my whole body ensuring that everything can function as it should.  I stay here for a while and allow the wonder of my heart to move me.

My attention is drawn to the mixture of aromas wafting up at me as I sip on my tea. Chamomile, mint, ginger, cinnamon and fennel. Each ingredient in this blend has its own monograph, detailing the plant’s biology, energetics and functions in the body. That in itself is mind blowing, but for now, I am simply taken with the aroma, and my mind wanders to other scents that I love: fresh basil, citrusy lemon verbena and soothing lavender.

Strange how certain scents can trigger memories and I allow myself to visit moments of wonder:

  • The feeling of that first movement in my belly.
  • The excited overflowing of words and emotions as my husband and I share our dive experience with each other.
  • The wonder of technology bringing family across the world together to plan a gift for the 95th birthday of our grandmother.
  • The courage of a homeless person to make life changes.
  • The capacity of a young woman to forgive and reunite with her mother.

To me, welcoming Wonder is the source of much joy and encouragement. My eyes see nature differently: the weathered wisdom of moss-covered rocks near a stream quiets my mind, and I sense that I am not only in Nature, but also part of Her. As this truth takes root in my heart, it transforms the way I think not only about myself, but my relationship to those with whom my life intertwines. The wonder of kindness, the sharing of heartache, the unforced timing of connections. And I am left in awe.

If you stop and allow Wonder to capture you, what do you find?