This morning when I sat down at the computer to write my next post, I had every intention of writing about feeding (fertilizing) our beloved plants in our gardens. However, I was easily distracted by the playful fluttering of Monarch butterflies just outside my window, the brilliant yellow of male American Goldfinches at Nyjer feeders, and the non-stop buzz of activity down by the pond. In just a moment I was able to witness a mere glimpse into the myriad wonders in our world.
Wonder. Mystery. Miracles of life on earth. As children we marveled at fireflies and grasshoppers and rainbows and snowflakes and a zillion other wonderful miracles which happened every day in our world. As teenagers we became too cool to acknowledge them. As adults, we became too busy and stressed out to notice or care.
Millions of dollars are spent every year on books, medications, and “mindfulness” activities which are intended to help us find “happiness”. While some of these actions may no doubt initially produce positive results, most people find that happiness is an elusive entity to hang onto.
I recently completed an international research study which investigated happiness, joy, and well-being, and discovered a few interesting and important things. First, nearly everyone, no matter where they live, is on a quest to find lasting happiness in their life. Second, whether someone makes a six-figure income and lives in a posh condo or barely has enough money for food or rent, happiness trumps wealth. Third, “happiness” is conceptualized as a positive but transient emotion whereas “joy” is more profound, longer-lasting, and supports and sustains us – even during difficult periods in our lives. Finally, those individuals who scored highest in overall life satisfaction and happiness (or more accurately, joy) acknowledged strong emotional, physical, and spiritual connections to our natural world.
(This is where gardeners can give each other big high fives for all the health benefits associated with gardening and hanging out with nature).
So, should we continue to chase after happiness? Feeling “happy’ is of course a wonderful thing. But perhaps we should instead cultivate wonder and the power of joy. Why? Because a life which embraces and celebrates wonder doesn’t look for the quick fix. It seeks to acknowledge and celebrate the everyday miracles in our lives, where the ordinary is nevertheless extraordinary.
Does this mean we should feign happiness and wear ridiculous sappy smiles on our face every day? Absolutely not. Some days really are completely horrible, rotten, ugly, and just plain terrible. Also, psychologists know compulsive positive thinking (toxic positivity) is as harmful as compulsive negativity. However, embracing a life of wonder and joy allows us to develop positive coping skills, enhances our resiliency, and gives us the power to see the world – and our connection to it – through fresh eyes.
Encourage curiosity. Seek out the unknown. Explore life’s mysteries. Embrace wonder and joy. Consider that right now, literally billions of creatures, from the largest birds, butterflies, and insects, to the smallest microbes, are living out their lives in your own backyard. Make time to consider the miracles of gravity, the smell of rain, the warmth of the sun, and the change of seasons. Reconnect with that child within you who so many years ago marveled at fireflies, grasshoppers, rainbows, and snowflakes.
Embrace wonder – experience joy.
