Be in Awe of the World
“He who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead; his eyes are closed.” ~Albert Einstein
The world is full of magic, if you just take the time to pay attention. Nature in particular contains unlimited examples of what a wonderful world we live in – from the pink of the sky at sunrise, to buds becoming flowers, and the sound of a hummingbird’s wings.
The problem is that a lot of people go barreling through their lives, spending too much time on their devices, and thinking that material things will make them happy, and they fail to notice all of the treasures that surround them.
Dogs are much better at awe. We experience the world through our senses, and we engage as many as we can when exploring something or somewhere new. Science has shown that the more senses you engage in any given moment will help you remember the details. Have you ever noticed that a certain scent can take you right back to your grandma’s kitchen, or a song reminds you of your first dance with the boy you liked in middle school? Our senses make the world feel more alive, and the longer you pause to take it all in, the better you’ll remember those precious moments that make life worth living. And, let me tell you, those moments are not going to be about your promotions or paychecks, but about the time you spent with loved ones, or experiencing a new place.
While I wasn't super happy about sleeping in a tent, there were other aspects of our camping and road trips that I appreciated - like watching the sun set over the lake, going for hikes in wild places, and experiencing the natural world in destinations like Lake Powell, the Grand Canyon, and Glacier National Park's Going-to-the-Sun road. Dogs weren’t allowed on the trails at Glacier National Park, but I had my head out the window the whole time we drove along the Going-to-the-Sun road. The jagged mountain peaks were even more impressive than the ones we have in Colorado.
I spent a lot of time looking out over the Grand Canyon on my last road trip. Mom promised that it would be worth the drive for me to experience the ultimate vista, and she was right. It was amazing! All of the colors in the rocks, the river down below, and the ever-changing sky. I loved it, so I didn’t mind how many times I had to be strapped into my Walkin’ Wheels while we were there. We walked all along the ridge trail, and I was sure to pause at each overlook. I needed a little help in some areas where the trail wasn’t flat or had some obstacles, but it was worth the effort.
As W.B. Yeats said, “The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.” Take the time to pause and notice the world around you. If you pay attention, you’ll start to see how amazing it is – the natural world in particular. Watch the sunrise or the sunset to see how the sun paints the sky. Stop to smell the wild flowers on your walk. Enjoy the sound of the birds chirping, and the wind in the leaves. Run your hands through your dog’s fur and enjoy how soft it is. Savor the taste of a morsel of your favorite food. There’s so much to be grateful for, but it requires slowing down to actually take it all in.