v1.1 (last commit 2024-08-22T15:29:01+00:00)

This piece is dedicated to my Dad, who taught and inspired me to embrace my true, authentic man-child self. 💛

The people I cherish most are those who embody wonder. They bring a childlike spirit to life, remaining authentic, honest, empathetic, compassionate, mindful, and playful. Prioritizing human connections over self-serving goals, they carry little shame. When they experience sadness, they don’t hide or deny it but instead approach these emotions with curiosity. These types of people are rare gems, and I strive to make sure they know I treasure having them in my life.

The more I wonder, the more I love. ~Alice Walker, Author “The Color Purple”

This essay delves into the psychological aspects of wonder, explores its mental, physical, and spiritual benefits, identifies factors that block the experience of wonder, and offers practical strategies for cultivating this enriching emotion in daily life. The discussion is supported by significant academic research highlighting the importance and benefits of wonder.

What is Wonder

In psychology, wonder is a complex emotional state that combines curiosity, amazement, and admiration. It can arise when an individual encounters something unexpected, novel, or profoundly impactful, prompting a reevaluation of their understanding of the world. Unlike awe, which can be overwhelming, wonder typically involves a stronger cognitive component, encouraging exploration, understanding, and learning. Wonder can be nurtured by consistently seeing the everyday as extraordinary, the ordinary as enchanting, and each person as a source of endless curiosity.

Key Characteristics of Wonder:

1. Curiosity and Exploration:

Wonder often triggers a deep sense of curiosity, motivating individuals to explore and investigate further. It encourages asking questions and seeking answers, as the mind endeavors to comprehend the new or unexpected. Research by Kashdan, Rose, and Fincham (2004) found that curiosity, frequently sparked by wonder, is essential for motivating exploratory behavior and intellectual engagement, leading to personal growth and learning opportunities.

2. Amazement and Awe:

Wonder can be accompanied by feelings of amazement, especially when the experience or object is vast, complex, or beyond ordinary comprehension. While awe might be overwhelming, wonder generally inspires further engagement and exploration. Keltner and Haidt (2003) studied emotions like awe and wonder, noting that these feelings often arise in response to stimuli that are vast or complex, leading to a mix of amazement and a drive to engage more deeply.

3. Openness and Receptivity:

Experiencing wonder fosters a heightened sense of openness and receptivity, making individuals more willing to entertain new ideas or perspectives. Silvia (2008) highlighted that wonder and similar emotions increase an individual's openness to new experiences and ideas, leading to significant personal and intellectual growth.

4. Positive Emotional Experience:

Though wonder can involve uncertainty, it is generally regarded as a positive emotional state. It can inspire creativity, intellectual growth, and a deeper connection with the world. Shiota, Keltner, and Mossman (2007) found that wonder, while sometimes associated with uncertainty, is predominantly a positive emotion that fosters creativity and intellectual engagement.

5. Impact on Well-being:

Wonder has been linked to enhanced well-being by promoting a sense of connectedness, expanding one's sense of time, and offering a break from self-focused concerns. These experiences are associated with increased life satisfaction and a greater appreciation for life. Stellar et al. (2017) demonstrated that emotions like wonder and awe can promote well-being by fostering a sense of connectedness, reducing self-focused concerns, and enhancing overall life satisfaction.

Mental, Physical, and Spiritual Advantages of Wonder

Wonder offers a wide range of benefits, extending across mental, physical, and spiritual dimensions. Academic research supports the following advantages:

1. Mental Advantages

• Enhanced Curiosity and Learning: Silvia et al. (2015) found that wonder and curiosity are closely linked, with wonder often triggering exploratory behaviors and learning. This emotional state enhances cognitive engagement and motivates individuals to seek new knowledge.
• Increased Creativity: Research by Keltner and Haidt (2003) suggests that awe and wonder can inspire creative thinking by encouraging individuals to think beyond their usual patterns. This broadened perspective can lead to more innovative problem-solving and creative output.
• Stress Reduction: Stellar et al. (2015) showed that positive emotions such as awe, which are closely related to wonder, are associated with lower levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which can reduce stress and promote mental health.
• Improved Focus and Attention: Shiota, Keltner, and Mossman (2007) demonstrated that awe and wonder can increase focus and mindfulness by drawing attention to the present moment. This heightened state of awareness improves cognitive performance and overall well-being.

2. Physical Advantages

• Reduced Stress Hormones: Algoe and Haidt (2009) indicate that positive emotions like wonder can decrease cortisol levels, leading to reduced stress and better physical health. This aligns with findings that awe and wonder can induce a relaxation response in the body.
• Improved Heart Health: Kok et al. (2013) found that experiencing positive emotions, including wonder, is associated with improved heart rate variability, a marker of cardiovascular health. These emotions promote relaxation and reduce the risk of heart-related issues.
• Increased Vitality: Ryan, Huta, and Deci (2008) suggest that the experience of wonder and awe can lead to increased vitality and energy. The sense of being uplifted by these emotions can have a rejuvenating effect on both mind and body.
• Enhanced Well-being: Fredrickson et al. (2008) highlighted that positive emotions like wonder contribute to an upward spiral of well-being. Regular experiences of wonder can improve sleep, reduce chronic pain, and strengthen the immune system.

3. Spiritual Advantages

• Deeper Connection with the World: Van Cappellen and Saroglou (2012) showed that experiencing awe and wonder fosters a sense of connectedness with the world and others, enhancing spiritual well-being and leading to a greater sense of purpose.
• Openness to Transcendence: Yaden et al. (2017) indicate that experiences of awe and wonder can lead to feelings of transcendence, where individuals feel connected to something greater than themselves. This can enhance spiritual experiences and promote a deeper sense of meaning.
• Enhanced Gratitude: Emmons and McCullough (2003) found that positive emotions like wonder can increase feelings of gratitude. This heightened sense of appreciation is often linked to spiritual practices and a more positive life outlook.
• Promotes Humility and Perspective: Piff et al. (2015) demonstrated that awe and wonder can induce humility by making individuals aware of the vastness or complexity of what they encounter. This humility can lead to a more balanced perspective on life and deeper spiritual understanding.

What Blocks Feeling Wonder

Despite the benefits, several factors can block or diminish our ability to experience wonder. These obstacles often stem from psychological, social, and environmental influences that dampen curiosity, inhibit openness, or distract us from engaging deeply with our surroundings.

1. Emotionally Unavailable (Cerebral/Cognitive Focused)

• Barrier: Since wonder is rooted in emotion, being emotionally stunted, blocked, or disconnected from your feelings can make it hard to access. You might comprehend the idea of wonder mentally, but the full emotional experience may evade you.

2. Mental Health Issues

• Barrier: Mental health challenges can significantly block the experience of wonder by affecting both emotional responsiveness and cognitive focus. Depression often leads to emotional numbness and anhedonia, making it difficult to feel the joy or fascination that wonder brings. Anxiety can cause preoccupation with worries and hyper-vigilance, narrowing one’s focus and preventing the relaxation needed to engage with the world openly. Trauma may result in emotional disconnect and a negative worldview, making it hard to appreciate the present moment. Chronic stress further narrows focus and drains the energy required to explore new experiences. Cynicism, apathy, and low self-esteem, often products of mental health struggles, lead to emotional detachment, self-doubt, and a skeptical mindset, all of which block the openness and curiosity necessary for wonder. These barriers emphasize the importance of addressing mental health to reconnect with the enriching experience of wonder.

3. Routine and Familiarity

• Barrier: Routine and over-familiarity with our surroundings or activities can dull our sense of wonder. When we become accustomed to our environment or daily habits, the novelty that often sparks wonder diminishes. Van Hooren, Peperkoorn, and Zenasni (2021) suggest that novelty is a key factor in eliciting wonder. Their study indicates that overly familiar environments or experiences are less likely to provoke wonder because they do not challenge our existing cognitive frameworks or evoke the curiosity that drives exploration.

3. Distraction and Overstimulation

• Barrier: In today's fast-paced world, constant distractions from technology, social media, and multitasking can prevent us from being fully present, which is necessary for experiencing wonder. Overstimulation from a barrage of information can also overwhelm our senses, making it difficult to appreciate the subtleties that often trigger wonder. Powers, Brooks, and Aldao (2020) found that digital distractions significantly reduce the ability to experience awe and wonder. The study showed that individuals frequently distracted by technology are less likely to engage deeply with their environment, leading to a diminished capacity to experience wonder.

4. Cynicism and Skepticism

• Barrier: A cynical or overly skeptical mindset can block the feeling of wonder by dismissing experiences as unremarkable or trivial. When we approach life with a jaded perspective, we are less open to being surprised or moved by the world around us. McPhetres (2019) found that individuals exhibiting higher levels of cynicism and skepticism are less likely to experience awe and wonder. These attitudes lead to a reduced openness to new experiences, thereby inhibiting the emotional responses that wonder typically evokes.

5. Stress and Preoccupation

• Barrier: High levels of stress and preoccupation with personal or professional concerns can narrow our focus and reduce our capacity for wonder. When stressed or overwhelmed, our attention is often consumed by immediate problems, leaving little room for the contemplation or curiosity that wonder requires. Fredrickson et al. (2000) on the broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions found that stress and negative emotions constrict cognitive resources, making it difficult to engage in the kind of expansive thinking and reflection that fosters wonder. The study highlights how stress limits our ability to notice and appreciate the wonders in our environment.

6. Lack of Exposure to Nature

• Barrier: Limited exposure to natural environments can diminish our ability to experience wonder. Nature is a powerful elicitor of wonder due to its vastness, beauty, and complexity. However, in urbanized settings or lifestyles that lack interaction with nature, this source of wonder is often underutilized. Joye and Van den Berg (2011) underscore the importance of natural environments in eliciting feelings of awe and wonder. Their study found that individuals who spend less time in nature are less likely to experience the psychological benefits associated with wonder, such as enhanced well-being and a sense of connectedness.

How to Cultivate Wonder in Your Life

Cultivating wonder involves intentionally creating conditions that foster curiosity, openness, and a deep appreciation for the world around you. Here are some strategies supported by academic research to help invite more wonder into your daily life:

1. Engage with Nature

• How to Cultivate: Spend time in natural settings like parks, forests, or by the ocean. Nature’s vastness, beauty, and complexity are powerful triggers for wonder. Regular exposure to natural environments can help you feel more connected to something larger than yourself, promoting feelings of awe and wonder. Joye and Van den Berg (2011) indicate that natural environments are particularly effective at eliciting emotions of awe and wonder, contributing to well-being and a broader perspective on life.

2. Seek Out New Experiences

• How to Cultivate: Deliberately seek out new and diverse experiences, whether through travel, trying new activities, or learning about different cultures. Novelty and exposure to the unfamiliar can challenge your usual ways of thinking, sparking curiosity and wonder. Kashdan and Steger (2007) found that individuals who frequently engage in new and diverse experiences report higher levels of curiosity and wonder, leading to greater life satisfaction and personal growth.

3. Practice Mindfulness

• How to Cultivate: Mindfulness practices, such as meditation or mindful walking, help you stay present and fully engage with the world around you. Being mindful can heighten your awareness of the small, often overlooked details in your surroundings, fostering a sense of wonder. Garland et al. (2015) suggest that mindfulness enhances the ability to experience awe and wonder by increasing present-moment awareness and reducing distractions, thereby deepening emotional engagement with the world.

4. Cultivate a Childlike Curiosity

• How to Cultivate: Approach the world with a sense of curiosity and openness, similar to how a child might. Ask questions, explore new topics, and allow yourself to be fascinated by the mundane. This shift in perspective can make everyday experiences feel fresh and wondrous. Engel (2013) suggests that cultivating a childlike curiosity can reawaken a sense of wonder and lead to greater creativity, intellectual engagement, and a more vibrant experience of life.

5. Engage with Art and Music

• How to Cultivate: Art, music, and literature can evoke powerful emotions and stimulate a sense of wonder by presenting beauty, complexity, and emotional depth. Engage with various forms of art to expand your emotional and intellectual horizons. Gabrielsson (2011) found that engaging with music, in particular, can evoke intense emotional responses, including feelings of wonder, by connecting individuals with profound aspects of human experience.

6. Reflect on the Mysteries of Life

• How to Cultivate: Spend time contemplating the larger questions of life, such as the mysteries of the universe, the nature of consciousness, or the complexities of existence. Reflecting on these topics can inspire a sense of awe and wonder at the vastness and intricacies of life. Yaden et al. (2017) show that contemplating existential questions and the mysteries of life can lead to experiences of awe and wonder, fostering a sense of connection to something greater and enhancing spiritual well-being.

7. Surround Yourself with Inspiring People

• How to Cultivate: Engage with people who inspire you, whether through their creativity, wisdom, or passion for life. Conversations with such individuals can challenge your thinking and open you up to new perspectives, fueling your sense of wonder. Fredrickson (2001) suggests that positive social interactions, especially with inspiring individuals, can enhance positive emotions, including wonder, by broadening your perspectives and deepening your connections.

Conclusion

The key to a wonderful life is to never stop wandering into wonder. ~Suzy Kasseem

Wonder is an essential and enriching emotion that profoundly impacts our mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. By understanding its nature and actively cultivating it in our daily lives, we can open ourselves to new experiences, deepen our connections with the world, and enhance our overall quality of life. Whether through engaging with nature, practicing mindfulness, or surrounding ourselves with inspiring people, the pursuit of wonder allows us to see the world through a lens of curiosity and admiration, leading to a more fulfilling and vibrant existence.

References

• Algoe, S. B., & Haidt, J. (2009). Witnessing excellence in action: The 'other-praising' emotions of elevation, gratitude, and admiration. Journal of Positive Psychology.
• Emmons, R. A., & McCullough, M. E. (2003). Counting blessings versus burdens: An experimental investigation of gratitude and subjective well-being in daily life. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.
• Engel, S. (2013). The case for curiosity. Educational Leadership.
• Fredrickson, B. L. (2001). The role of positive emotions in positive psychology: The broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions. American Psychologist.
• Fredrickson, B. L., et al. (2008). Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.
• Gabrielsson, A. (2011). Strong experiences with music: Music is much more than just music. Oxford University Press.
• Garland, E. L., Farb, N. A., Goldin, P. R., & Fredrickson, B. L. (2015). The mindfulness-to-meaning theory: Extensions, applications, and challenges at the attention-appraisal-emotion interface. Psychological Inquiry.
• Joye, Y., & Van den Berg, A. E. (2011). Is love for green in our genes? A critical analysis of evolutionary assumptions in restorative environments research. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening.
• Kashdan, T. B., & Steger, M. F. (2007). Curiosity and pathways to well-being and meaning in life: Traits, states, and everyday behaviors. Motivation and Emotion.
• Kashdan, T. B., Rose, P., & Fincham, F. D. (2004). Curiosity and exploration: Facilitating positive subjective experiences and personal growth opportunities. Journal of Personality Assessment.
• Keltner, D., & Haidt, J. (2003). Approaching awe, a moral, spiritual, and aesthetic emotion. Cognition and Emotion.
• Kok, B. E., et al. (2013). How positive emotions build physical health: Perceived positive social connections account for the upward spiral between positive emotions and vagal tone. Psychological Science.
• McPhetres, J. (2019). The influence of science popularizers on the experience of awe and scientific thinking. Psychology of Popular Media Culture.
• Piff, P. K., et al. (2015). Awe, the small self, and prosocial behavior. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.
• Powers, J. P., Brooks, K. R., & Aldao, A. (2020). Distracted by the light: The impact of digital technology use on emotion regulation. Emotion.
• Ryan, R. M., Huta, V., & Deci, E. L. (2008). Living well: A self-determination theory perspective on eudaimonia. Journal of Happiness Studies.
• Shiota, M. N., Keltner, D., & Mossman, A. (2007). The nature of awe: Elicitors, appraisals, and effects on self-concept. Cognition and Emotion.
• Silvia, P. J. (2008). Interest—the curious emotion. Current Directions in Psychological Science.
• Silvia, P. J., et al. (2015). Exploring the feeling of curiosity: Toward a science of wonder. Journal of Positive Psychology.
• Stellar, J. E., Gordon, A. M., Anderson, C. L., Piff, P. K., McNeil, G. D., & Keltner, D. (2017). Awe and humility. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.
• Stellar, J. E., et al. (2015). Positive affect and markers of inflammation: Discrete positive emotions predict lower levels of inflammatory cytokines. Emotion.
• Van Cappellen, P., & Saroglou, V. (2012). Awe activates religious and spiritual feelings and behaviors. Psychology of Religion and Spirituality.
• Van Hooren, S., Peperkoorn, L. S., & Zenasni, F. (2021). Aesthetic experiences and wonder: The role of novelty, surprise, and familiarity in experiencing wonder. Frontiers in Psychology.
• Yaden, D. B., Haidt, J., Hood Jr., R. W., Vago, D. R., & Newberg, A. B. (2017). The varieties of self-transcendent experience. Review of General Psychology.