In a recent conversation with a friend, a story was shared of an interesting ailment this friend discovered after months of navigating discomfort. Because the symptoms were so small and obscure, it took a whole year of investigating to find the root cause.
I remember thinking how fascinating and interconnected the human body is, and how it’s a wonder we don’t all have more daily ailments within the array of these intricacies.
In another conversation, the presence of the recent snow dump was discussed and how the winter wonderland brought feelings of delight for my friend.
Set against the backdrop of her present-day, personal difficulties, the soft, falling snowflakes and the outstretch of a fresh, white canvas, spoke of a promise of newness to her.
One conversation brought up wonder by way of curiosity and intrigue, and with it, an invitation to lean in and explore.
The other conversation brought the wonder of inspiration and surprise, and with it, an invitation to sit back and enjoy.
Two conversations. Two different nudges. All details carrying opportunity to practice the soul work of wonder.
“Wonder is about having the presence to pay attention to the commonplace.” [1]
As you sit with the prompts in today’s intermission, and as we continue exploring the soul work of wonder this month, might we invite you—today and this week—to notice and pay attention to the commonplace details of your life?
In whatever conversations and environments you may find yourself, lean in, explore, and wander into curious wonder. Ask questions. Listen intently. Think deeply. Behold the details.
In whatever weather patterns and circumstances you may find yourself navigating, sit back, learn, observe the symbolism, reflect on the parallels, and find delight as you behold the wonder and relatability to your own life.
Writer and poet, Cole Arthur Riley, says:
“My faith is held together by wonder—by every defiant commitment to presence and paying attention.” [2]
So, be present and pay attention this week, and allow yourself the delight to wander into wonder.
—With Joy
Pause for Thought
“Writer and poet, Cole Arthur Riley, speaks of wonder as the practice of beholding the beautiful:
“Beholding the majestic—the snow-capped Himalayas, the sun setting on the sea—but also the perfectly mundane—that soap bubble reflecting your kitchen, the oxidized underbelly of that stainless steel pan … Wonder includes the capacity to be in awe of humanity, even your own. It allows us to jettison the dangerous belief that things worthy of wonder can only be located on nature hikes and scenic overlooks. This can distract us from the beauty flowing through us daily.” [3]”
Pause for Practice
Drawn from ancient Christian tradition within the contemplative heritage, the following prayer practice is a contemplative practice useful in helping you receive the gift of God’s presence.
Centering Prayer is a method of prayer consisting of responding to the Holy Spirit by consenting to God’s presence at work within, deepening your relationship with the living Christ.
For today’s practice we’re going to sit with the word and concept of “wonder.” As you engage with this word, allow The Holy to draw your attention toward spaces, places, and insights of wonder. [4]
- Choose a sacred word.
Find a comfortable place. Close your eyes. Relax. Empty your thoughts. Ask God’s presence to direct you toward the sacred word of wonder for the duration of this practice. - Consent to God’s presence.
Give consent to this word, as it represents your consent to God’s presence of wonder at work within you during this time. - Open your heart and engage with your thoughts.
In your comfortable position and with closed eyes, bring the word wonder to mind. Let it linger as you let it mull around in your thoughts and heart. If and when your mind wanders, gently and without self-judgment, bring your focus back to the word “wonder.” Return to “wonder” as often as needed, and take as much time as you need with this practice. - Hold space for silence.
As your time ends, remain unrushed, but create an opportunity for reverence by sitting in grateful presence. Pray a prayer of thanks for the insight you’ve gained during this practice time.
Pause for Examination
The following passage is taken from a parable found in Luke when Jesus heals a paralyzed man. Here, the crowd is responding with a beholding of such wonder, but use their statement of declaration as a thought prompt in asking God to nudge you with remarkable things from your own life.
“Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, “We have seen remarkable things today.” [5]
- [1&2] This Here Flesh by Cole Arthur Riley, via Richard Rohr’s Daily Meditation, The Spiritual Practice of Awe, From the Center for Action and Contemplation, December 6, 2023.
- [3] This Here Flesh: Spirituality, Liberation, and the Stories That Make Us by Cole Arthur Riley.
- [4] Centering Prayer series by JoyOver App. Session 1, What is Centering Prayer?, adapted for brevity for the practice and soul work of wonder.
- [5] Parable: Jesus Forgives and Heals a Paralyzed Man, Luke 5:17-26, NIV.
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P.S. May you keep your focus on wonder as much as this little guy keeps his eye on baseball 😏.
