Wonder

In April we were treated to a solar eclipse. Here in San Diego, it was a partial eclipse but nonetheless am incredible site through the special viewing glasses I bought at the local 7-11.

My husband and I also visited Yosemite National Park in April. Not our first trip, but always a spectacular visit among the granite cliffs and, thanks to the rainfall, magnificent flowing waterfalls into the Merced River.

What do these things have I common? WONDER.

I can only imagine when a solar eclipse was experienced by early humans and the feelings it might have instilled in them as they watched their world descend into darkness. What was that feeling like? Fearful, no doubt, but can you imagine the wonder, especially as the sun revealed itself minutes after being cloaked in darkness?

Similarly, as we were driving on Highway 41 and emerged through that tunnel, I can only wonder what the first people felt when they saw the beauty in front of them. I am not blind to the fact that the earliest inhabitants were the Ahwahnee, native Americans or indigenous people, who were driven out by militia and other “settlers.”  I am merely focusing on the WONDER anyone who enters the valley sees.

I believe “wondering” is a good. Wonder fosters a mindset of openness and receptivity to innovative ideas and perspectives. When the norm is interrupted, it provides a spark for me to start thinking about novel approaches, other feelings, oft buried.

Experiencing both the eclipse and exploring the wonders of Yosemite let me hit the pause button, take a deep breath, and realize that I'm just a tiny speck in the vastness of the universe.

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