“Pay attention to what you pay attention to.” ~Amy Krouse Rosenthal

My pursuit of new skills started as a healthy habit. Now? It’s a full-blown addiction to workshops. I crave the learning, the new ideas, and the chance to grow. A recent workshop also sparked a memory of an unexpected moment of awe. I rediscovered a profound sense of wonder in an ordinary moment.

Last weekend, I participated in a Come & See event held at St. Mary’s Retreat Center in Sewanee, TN. Amy Lyles Wilson led the writing workshop. She gave us a writing prompt: describe a moment which brought us a sense of awe.

I wrote about my moment of awe:

With a mug of hot tea in one hand and a book in the other, I stepped outside on my recently constructed back porch, a project which had taken a few weeks to complete. The weather had finally cooled enough to enjoy the comfortable egg chair that I designated to be my new reading chair. I felt the soft breeze rustle my hair and sighed in contentment. It was a much-needed relief after a such a brutal and sweltering summer.

I just happened to glance up and gasped. I blinked a couple of times. A cascade of soft sun rays broke from the violet and rose-colored clouds of sunset. It cast its golden hue to highlight the tops of the evergreen trees. The rest of the tree was cast in shadow.

Gratitude filled me as I took in the beautiful view, but there was also a touch of sadness as well. I had almost missed the beauty and grandeur of the sun set by burying my head in a book. Yet, I was thankful to experience the golden moment of ineffable joy.

I experienced this awe in my own backyard. The birds added their joyful trills. Peace blanketed me in a soothing melody.

I shared this awe-inspiring moment with the group.

My takeaway in all this? We can find wonder in the simplest moments. A glowing sunset, a child’s laugh, or a workshop can fill you with awe. These moments are always around us, if we pay attention. Look for them today and feel your world brighten.

“The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.” ~ W.B Yeats

A newsletter by Katie Rea.

More information:

Amy Lyles Wilson, M.A., M.T.S – {IT’S THE SHARING OF OUR STORIES THAT SAVES US.}