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Hello friends, In early July, I spent the day with family at Busch Gardens
in Williamsburg. Their summer theme was "Summer of Wonder." It seemed like a fun marketing slogan, but the phrase stayed with me. As we traveled back to Colorado, I got curious about what it would look like to intentionally set aside time to practice wonder. It seems like an experiment worth trying; and I’d love for you to join me. Back in January, I read Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life by Dacher Keltner. Scientists have found that experiencing awe can increase our sense of well-being, deepen gratitude, and reduce stress and symptoms of depression. It doesn’t change our circumstances, but it can change the way we look at them. The last year has been a season of significant change and challenge—moving to Colorado, welcoming a new grandbaby, and walking alongside aging parents through serious health challenges. Like many seasons of life, it has held both immense joy and deep concern. If wonder helps these challenges feel lighter, what a difference that would make. Awe Isn't About Extraordinary Moments When we hear the word awe, we often think of breathtaking landscapes or once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Those certainly inspire wonder. But awe is just as often found in ordinary moments that ask us to slow down and pay attention. It might be found in the soft breath of a sleeping baby, the unexpected sight of the Northern Lights, butterflies stopping on summer blooms, the amazing smell of fresh baked bread, or laughter shared around a dinner table. These moments happen every day. The question is whether we're paying attention. You're Invited For the month of August, I'd love you to join me in watching for wonder. Each day on Facebook and Instagram, I'll share a photograph of something that inspired awe in me, along with a brief reflection or journaling prompt. My hope is that these daily pauses will help all of us notice the beauty, goodness, and mystery already present in our lives. One simple practice I'll be using is the acronym AWE: A – Attention
Give your full attention to the image—or to something in your own surroundings that captures your curiosity. W – Wait
Slow down. Resist the urge to immediately move on. E – Exhale & Expand
Take a deep breath and notice what you're experiencing. What emotions, thoughts, or physical sensations arise? What feels larger, richer, or more meaningful?
This practice was included in a 2025 study involving people living with long COVID. Participants did this practice three times each day for four weeks, and researchers found improvements in overall well-being along with reductions in stress and depressive symptoms. Ways to Participate There isn't a right way to do this. Simply choose what feels
meaningful. Observe – Spend a minute with the daily photo and practice AWE. Reflect – Journal about what you notice, think, or feel. Practice – Look for one awe-filled moment in your own day. Share – Leave a comment, send me an email, or tell someone else about something that captured your attention.
A Question to Carry with You What might change in your life if you intentionally made
space for awe and wonder each day? I hope you'll walk through August with me. My guess is that by the end of the month, the world won't have changed nearly as much as the way we see it. Warmly, Beth
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