I had plans to write about something else today.
But we’re “in the bleak midwinter” where I live, and I thought maybe a quick pep talk might be in order.
I’ve written about awe in detail before — what it is, why it helps, where to find it — so today’s message is simply a reminder to look for it.
Big awe has struck me twice recently. First, absorbing the variety and detail of the wildlife in Costa Rica. I’ve included just a few gems in photos here for you. The first is a small spider that makes itself look bigger and more menacing by spinning a web on the ends of its legs. The second is a rare sighting of a mama and baby three-toed sloth. And the third is a monkey, of course. They came too close for comfort on a few occasions (my husband shut one monkey’s finger in our patio door for a brief, panicky second!), and I know they can be a nuisance, but I could have watched them for hours.
And then there’s the Olympic Winter Games. “Collective effervescence” is the most common and powerful awe trigger, and for these next two weeks we have it at our fingertips. The athleticism, drama, patriotism — I’m here for all of it.
You find what you’re looking for. May you be awestruck today!
(And if you live near me, stay warm!)