As a Montessori teacher, I've always envied and admired children's capacity for amazement at the small and sometimes mundane things.

Whether it's a colorful butterfly fluttering by, a tiny pebble on the ground, or even the sound of raindrops against the window, children's eyes light up with wonder. Their enthusiasm to discover and learn about everything that surrounds them is something that often fades with time.

• Why is wonder one of those rare feelings that appear a couple of times in our lives and are so difficult to experience on a daily basis?

• Are we doomed to accept that wonder is a natural consequence of novelty?

• And thus, does the more predictable we become, the fewer chances we have to feel it?

• Is our overexposure to technology affecting us more than we want to admit?

I think the last time I felt the same was when I first moved to Paris.

I was struck by its unique charm and magic. From the intimate ambiance of Montmartre to the vibrant Marais district with its art galleries, bohemian jazz clubs, quirky street markets, and captivating street performers, it fostered a sense of wonder beyond the typical symbols associated with the city.

However, as I settled into the rhythm of daily life, the enchantment gradually faded. All the monuments became a familiar sight, the cobblestone streets turned into regular paths, and the scent of croissants became part of my morning routine.

It was then that I realized maintaining that sense of awe required a different approach, much like sustaining a long-term relationship.

I made a conscious decision to preserve the enchantment by moving away from it. By distancing myself from the city, I created space for appreciation to thrive.

Now, every time I go back to Paris, I savor each moment as something exclusive and valuable. I take the time to watch the sunset from the Seine. And with each visit, I rediscover the magic that initially captivated me.

Cultivating wonder in the 21st century.

Cultivating a sense of wonder has become one of our biggest challenges of the 21st century. With the fast-paced and often overwhelming nature of modern life, it's all too easy to lose sight of the beauty and magic that surrounds us.

The fact that we've become used to spending a lot of time scrolling on our smartphones, has severe consequences on our brains.

One of these consequences is that we've become emotionally numb by the number of stimuli we encounter. The time gap between what comes in and our natural ability to react becomes smaller and smaller.

This desensitization leads me to think of the scene from the film "Clockwork Orange" where the protagonist is forced to watch films that disturb him. In our cases, we're not being forced but seduced by attention-keeping content that keeps us hypnotized.

1. An advertisement for a brand-new type of toothpaste that tastes like bacon.

2. A news article about a man who claims to have invented a machine that can turn lead into gold.

3. A video of a celebrity eating a sandwich in slow motion.

4. An infographic comparing the nutritional content of bananas and avocados.

While this sequence may seem absurd, it highlights how the constant bombardment of random content desensitizes us to the point we don't react to anything anymore.

The Rarity of Wonder in Adult Life.

The concept of wonder in our adult- life has been labeled as a childish trait.

As human beings, we often feel uncomfortable with excessive spontaneity and uncontrolled emotional expression.

This is particularly true in Western societies, where a materialistic interpretation of reality prevails among 95% of the population. In such a context, emotions and behaviors that do not conform to the norms of rationality and self-control can be seen as disruptive or inappropriate, leading to a sense of discomfort or even rejection.

Furthermore, our tendency towards excessive control and rationality is often reinforced by a scarcity mindset, which is prevalent among many people. In a society where survival is a priority, allowing ourselves to indulge in wonder and spontaneity may seem like a faraway and abstract concept.

What can we do about it?

To break free from the limitations of our narrow-mindedness and embrace the magic of the world around us, we can follow these 5 simple steps to cultivate wonder:

1. Follow the child.

   Put all your efforts into discovering fresh sources of novelty. As a montessori teacher, I can't but mention how childhood is a period of intense exploration and discovery.

   Each of these experiences may seem minor on its own, but they accumulate and create a sense of novelty that makes childhood feel like an extended period of discovery and wonder.

   In other words, allow yourself to experience and engage in activities that interest you.

2. Start your day on a high note.

   Walking in the forest can be as immersive as your favorite song, only with an added multi-sensory twist.

   Being surrounded by towering trees, chirping birds, rustling leaves, and flowing streams can evoke a sense of awe and wonder that is often difficult to find in our busy, modern lives.

   In addition to the sensory experience, it can also help to foster a sense of mindfulness and present-moment awareness.

   As we walk through the forest, we may become more attuned to our surroundings and our own inner experiences, allowing us to appreciate the beauty and mystery of the natural world in a deeper way.

   In a world that often feels fragmented and disconnected, being in nature can help us to feel a sense of oneness with the world around us, reminding us of our place in the larger web of life.

3. Choose a hobby that involves contemplating nature.

   Whether it's taking photos of a stunning sunset, painting a beautiful landscape, or simply sitting in quiet contemplation of the natural world, our chosen hobby can be a powerful tool for reconnecting with the world around us and finding joy and meaning in our daily lives.

   By immersing yourself in the natural world and focusing on the intricate details of its many forms, we're reminded of just how little we have truly fathomed and noticed.

4. Practice Martial Arts, meditation or Yoga.

   These activities involve physical movements that can be both challenging and exhilarating while quieting the mind and focusing on the present moment.

   By learning to analyze and perfect our movements, we can gain a deeper understanding of our bodies and how they move through space.

5. Cultivate your own fruits and veggies.

   Cultivating fruits and vegetables can be seen as a perfect example of the symbiotic relationship between humans and nature.

   Through the act of growing our own food, we establish a direct connection with the natural world and become active participants in the cycle of life.

   Furthermore, It allows us to witness the miraculous transformation of tiny seeds into thriving plants. We observe the delicate emergence of sprouts, the unfurling of leaves, and the eventual blossoming of flowers.

   As we tend to these plants with care, we become intimately involved in their growth, marveling at the interaction of sunlight, soil, water, and time.

"Man is indispensable to the perfection of creation; moreover, he himself is the second creator of the world. Man gives it its very first objectivity - without which, never heard, never seen, silently devouring, giving birth, dying, shaking its head for hundreds of millions of years, the world would unravel in the deepest night of non-being, reaching an indeterminate end. Human consciousness is the first to create objective existence and meaning, and thus man has found his indispensable place in the great process of being."- C.G.J

As a conclusion, I would like to remind you of this wonderful quote from the great psychoanalyst Carl Gustav Jung. It serves as a reminder that amidst the challenges and distractions of life, we should never forget our purpose as human beings.

We are here to experience the grand spectacle of existence itself.

In the midst of our daily struggles and responsibilities, it's easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. We become entangled in the busyness of our lives, chasing after fleeting desires and superficial pursuits. However, this message reminds us that our true calling is to be spectators of the cosmic dance.

We have the power to give meaning to the world, shape our experiences, and contribute to the ongoing narrative of creation.

So, let us cherish the sense of wonder and awe that life offers.

Let us cultivate it through genuine curiosity, by immersing ourselves in nature, by connecting with our inner selves, and by embracing the mysteries that surround us.

In doing so, we align ourselves with the grand process of being and find our rightful place as grateful participants, humbly witnessing the unfolding of the universe.

Katja Zandecki.