Awe & Wonder

She wakes up that morning aware of feeling a certain discomfort in the background of her being; a feeling of unease knowing that she’s on a journey, day to day, and yet not knowing where that journey ultimately leads. She recognizes this unease as familiar, pointing to a well-rehearsed habit of thought, the thought that the value of what she does today is tied to some clear and precise outcome in the future, a future unknown to her. 

How to allow herself to be in and experience the meaning, the value, of the unfolding present?

The ground and the trees and the rooftops are covered with fresh snow. The air is still. The sun is bright. She makes her way across the white lawn that separates the two neighborhoods, heading to Judy’s house to walk her little dog Sadie. She leaves behind her footsteps on the pristine snow, like an explorer on uncharted lands. She knows that she will retrace her exact steps as best she can on the way back, so as not to disturb the blanket of snow more than necessary for her return home. 

While walking Sadie, she comes upon a neighbor with whom she chats on occasion. These fleeting encounters always end with the promise that “we will get together soon.” The friend is energetically brushing off snow from her car. Perhaps she’s going somewhere? Perhaps she is in a hurry? In response to “how are you?,” the neighbor shares her frustration with a friend of hers around a disagreement they are having in the planning of a trip to India. 

As she listens to the neighbor, she finds herself simply present to what is being shared. In that presence, she feels gratitude for the opportunity to welcome this unexpected encounter that offers her the gift of presence.

They connect in this way for maybe ten minutes, with little Sadie happily standing by their side, seemingly content with the pause, not knowing what they are saying nor for how long, just welcoming the moment. 

In that moment, she finds awe and wonder.