You might be surprised at what you are missing
It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery each day.
—Albert Einstein
I got up early to write. I realized I was almost late. I felt a little cheated that I had to stop.
In my rush, I forgot about the daily joy my morning journey offers. As soon as I opened my front door, the sun greeted me. What a refreshing reminder.
Ahhh…I have the whole ride to see things and listen to my audiobook!
Rubbernecking Causes Gaper Delays
The audiobook author pointed out that we can change our lives by changing what we pay attention to. I have heard this message a lot lately. He further illustrated the point by suggesting that often we rush through our busy lives, and don’t pay any attention to the beauty in the world around us. On the other hand, if there is an accident, everyone slows down to take a look.
I thought about how true this is. This phenomenon is so common there is actually vocabulary to describe it —rubbernecking that causes gaper delays. I hear about it often on news channel traffic reports.
I also thought about how later in the day, each driver that was “lucky enough” to catch a glimpse of the accident would pass on their observations to others. They would retell the details.
What About Awe?
Why aren’t we as quick to discover and feel the awe that is abundant in the world around us? Why aren’t we as quick to pass on the details of these encounters? Paying attention and sharing the details of our moments of awe is a quick way to improve our perspective and increase our happiness. We should be passing these stories on.
As I continued to drive, I reflected. This is the reason I have been studying awe. It is the reason I created the publication For Awe. It is the reason I encourage writers to share their stories of experiencing feelings of awe.
My Chance
Mid-thought, I glanced to the right. I caught a quick glimpse of beauty. I decided to heed the advice I was pondering. It seemed hypocritical to fall into the trap of just zooming by, leaving the details unnoticed. I pulled over for a few minutes and took some pictures.
Pay Attention
Pay attention, to what you pay attention to. Do a little self-assessment. Make sure you are paying attention to things that you want more of because that is how it works.
I could have driven by and not noticed. I could have noticed and not stopped. Many drivers did. I have in the previous days.
I was glad I stopped and experienced the moss on the bridge, the reflection of the blazing red tree on the creek, the graffiti art in the woods, the aging tile work, and the wonder…where does that little path lead? Each element brought a bit of awe and joy that I wouldn’t have otherwise had to carry with me throughout my day.
I look forward to another commute tomorrow. I wonder what wonders I will pay attention to on my awe ride.
Thanks for reading! I hope everyone passes their self-assessment with flying colors or refocuses their attention on things that inspire feelings of awe and bring joy to their lives.
Science suggests there are many benefits from writing and sharing experiences of feeling awe. Share your stories: Awe Practices and Prompts Practicing Awe with the Medium Publication For Awe
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