“What is the value of preserving and strengthening this sense of awe and wonder, this recognition of something beyond the boundaries of human existence? Is the exploration of the natural world just a pleasant way to pass the golden hours of childhood or is there something deeper?
I am sure there is something much deeper, something lasting and significant. Those who dwell, as scientists or laymen, among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life. Whatever the vexation or concerns of their personal lives, their thoughts can find paths that lead to inner contentment and to renewed excitement in living. Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. There is symbolic as well as actual beauty in the migration of the birds, the ebb and flow of the tides, the folded bud ready for the spring. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature–the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after the winter.”
–Rachel Carson, excerpted from “The Sense of Wonder”
[Pictures that make me wonder]
Sand, like the shoulders of a person
I thought I would explain why I see Wonder and it's cultivation so important.
But...I then wrote a poem about it. This is the first draft unedited,
so the words are not as precise as I want.
I think over all though, it communicates what I was trying to.
So for now I will leave you with that.
My Mind Is a House,
Constantly Caught In Life (Which Is a Tornado)
With Confusion as a resident
The house is dark, heavy
Turning the storm from adventure to burden
A medium of destruction
Confusion is not invited,
it takes time, but I muster-up
The confidence to inform it that
"There is no room here,
for your shadows and distractions.
I am finished reassembling the furniture
and books to match reality.
Be gone!"
Wonder shares none of Confusions
Qualities except that she can
take up residence within the same space.
Kaleidoscopic thoughts of excitement and awe.
Thoughts like helium, making all lighter.
With Wonder as an occupant of the mind
all the questions in the world are an opportunity,
Not a chore.
From Curiosity, Wonder develops into delight
in the thunderstorm of new experiences
Where once Confusion made all
a cycle of teenage self-appointed/self-exploration of
purpose
and
meaning
with Angst as a companion.
How quickly the two come and go:
Confusion and Wonder
Making my mind a hotel, instead of a home.
I should learn to meet
Confusion and it's companions for lunch,
Sacred should be the invitation in.
I always forget to close the door.
