Wonder is an explicit manifestation of a message intended to wake up our spirituality in search for a better understanding of the natural and supernatural. When wonder happens, it reinforces a belief in another dimension of existence, it is metaphysical proof of a larger world about which we know so little. Wonder is a divine gift offered with an “appealing” presentation that draws us to seek spiritual knowledge. When an individual does not feel wonder, he or she is depleted of a most basic emotion and has little or no spirituality. These are people with blank eyes, lacking curiosity and spontaneity, often chronically depressed, with no spontaneous joy and laughter.
Whether we witness an eternal wonder like the celestial universe or a perishable wonder like a rainbow, we see only part of a great package of a complex matter that made it possible. It is an obvious encoded expression of a metaphysical value that reflects the universal matter that regulates our lives. I see wonder as a final effect of accidents that strive to establish a harmony within the restless matter of chaotic forces. In its turn, wonder generates further effects that are equally meaningful at levels we can only guess. Wonder is in many ways a magic show for non-believers.
By enjoying the beauty and complexity of wonder, we create a bridge with the metaphysical world. Its spiritual value induces hope and feelings hard to express that add much joy to life. High-tech thrills cannot replace the heart-pounding excitement of witnessing a natural wonder. Being open to the good energy of wonder allows us to benefit from the lasting effects of good changes that lead to personal transformation. We are better able to focus on what really matters for the wellbeing of the soul and spiritual fulfillment. Ultimately, what we put forth returns to us, including the feeling of wonder.
Wonder creates many channels of understanding in our inner and outer worlds; it establishes a connection between real and unreal existence, between known and unknown. It provides hope and belief in miracles. Many times wonder generates doubt, since many questions about it remain unanswered. It may hint that a Master Mind wants to keep humans on their toes all the time, looking for a supernatural force to solve many close to impossible problems. Often it does, reinforcing faith.
Wonder relates to a much larger picture of universal knowledge with direct impact on our lives. It has helped artists, thinkers, explorers, and engineers open new roads and accomplish marvels from which we all benefit. In so many ways wonder has affected the history of the world.
Many times we wonder in dismay about bad things happening to us and look for something or someone to blame. In most cases it turns out that a bad accident was an eye opener for a much-needed change, and what we initially perceived as obstacles were in fact new opportunities. Most successful artists experienced incredible disappointments before becoming famous. One of them was the school-boy Elvis Presley who failed music class and was rejected from the choir because of his unusual voice. Yet he never stopped wondering about the talent he finally succeeded in exposing to the world. Others like the Dutch impressionist painter Vincent van Gogh, who sold only one painting and wondered about so many rejections, committed suicide. Posthumously he was acclaimed as one of the greatest artists and one of his paintings was sold for $82.5 million, affirming his talent.
There are many examples of successful businessmen overcoming initial failure when they trust their unique sense of wonder and ask themselves a “what if” question that leads to a “eureka” moment. This was the case with Henry Ford who was born to be a farmer, but his mechanic curiosity led him to become a giant automobile entrepreneur. King Gillette was a struggling traveling salesman before invented the disposable razor blade, and Clarence Bird was an unsuccessful fur trader before coming up with the idea that became the frozen food industry. At age 65 and with only $105 (his first Social Security check), gas station owner Harland Sanders started what grew into the global Kentucky Fried Chicken. Imagination and wonder seem to make a happy connection when combined with the drive to succeed. Most often, God seems to offer a solution and a chance to someone who has a purpose.
When we attempt to understand the practical meaning of wonder, we find ourselves beyond the apparent reality of things. Our metaphysical experience finds endless applications. We understand that the presence of wonder reassures us that we indeed live in a wonderful world and that it is natural and right to be ready to accept revelations and changes. Historian Thomas Carlyle said, “We are the miracles, the great inscrutable mystery of God,” to which Chesterton added, “The world will never starve for want of wonders; but only for want of wonder.”(This was inscribed on the General Motors building in the A Century of Progress Exposition at the Chicago World’s Fair, 1933-34.) Perhaps artist Mervyn Peake put it in the best conclusive way: “To live at all is miracle enough!”
Because the phenomenon of wonder is associated with genuine surprise, it stimulates the imagination, providing a task and offering rewards that are difficult to resist. Where else does an unreal happening come into the real world and creates a logic of its own? It is the pursuit of wonder that make ordinary people do extraordinary things. In a world in which everything is relative, wonder is a shining example of stability. It also adds the much needed magic in life and a touch of Eternity.
Moreover, wonder is important because it provides a connection with divinity and brings spiritual renewal that makes life beautiful and exciting. It is an invitation to appreciation and deserves our gratitude because it makes us happy and wiser. It is the closest we can come to feeling the infinite beauty of life. When we nurture wonder, we feed our spirituality.
Research in the field of wonder is still in an infancy stage. Much more study is needed to understand the vast complexity of wonder at all philosophical and practical levels. Countless wonders are yet to be discovered and experienced. To explore these, to further look into the ways in which wonder relates to spirituality and connects us to the Universe is a challenge I intend to continue to pursue. Hopefully I will be joined by many others who will add to our knowledge and understanding of the matter of wonder and its intrinsic metaphysical link to spirituality.