The State of Awe

Photography by William Walther
WjW Photography

“Give yourself a gift of five minutes of contemplation in awe of everything you see around you. Go outside and turn your attention to the many miracles around you. This five-minute-a-day regimen of appreciation and gratitude will help you to focus your life in awe.” ~Wayne Dyer
 
Spring is the time of year in Arizona where I spend a lot of time in nature and it always brings me to a state of awe.  I am inspired by the beauty of nature from the blooming cactus, to the wildflowers, to the gorgeous sunsets.  I can tell that many others are in awe of nature’s beauty when I see the social media sites full of pictures of spring in full bloom.
 
In addition to being in awe of nature, I am in awe of people and their love and compassion.  I am in awe of the people who give selflessly to improve the lives of others. I am also in awe of the creativity and imagination of people. I go to art shows and galleries and I am in awe of what the artists create and how they use color, composition and values to evoke emotions in me.  I go to Broadway plays and am in awe of the actors who sing, the choreographers who invent routines and dance movements and the set designers who use their creativity to bring the scene to life. There are so many people to be in awe of and appreciate everyday in life.
 
One of my favorite answers to the question, “How are you?” is from a Chopra Center staff member who would always respond “Awe full – full of Awe.” It would be wonderful if everyday we could all say we were “full of awe.” I think we should all follow Wayne Dyer’s daily advice  of spending five minutes of contemplation in awe of everything around us.  Our life is full of so many miracles and we just need to slow down, be aware, and take time to notice and appreciate everything  and everyone. 
 
Who or what brings you the greatest sense of awe?
 
Who or what inspires you?