Make the time: explore the power of wonder and nature

Have you ever stopped to admire the beauty of a sunset or the intricacy of a flower's petals? Or? have you felt inspired by a walk in the woods or the sound of waves crashing on the beach?? These moments of wonder can have a profound impact on our wellbeing and creativity, and I’m a big believer that we should MAKE time to explore them.?

Think back to a moment when you’ve been out there, present in nature… how has it made you feel?

Having grown up along the African coast, I cultivated a deep affinity for the ocean and the great outdoors. I was privileged to swim in the Indian ocean most days, live amongst the most beautiful flora and fauna (yes I had an antelope and chameleons in my back garden amongst other things!) and experienced some of the spectacular landscapes on a regular basis, like the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti.?

Nature has an uncanny ability to instill serenity and a genuine sense of openness within me. And the more I’ve walked and talked with people, the more I’ve realised that it’s in our nature as humans to feel this way ‘in nature’. We weren’t built to sit at desks and stare into computer screens all day long.

Driven by my fascination with human emotion and behaviour, I delved deeper into the emotion and subject of wonder after completing my emotional intelligence certification several years ago. I discovered the intricate connection between wonder, neuroplasticity, and the role that nature plays in unlocking its potential, positively impacting multiple areas of our lives.

But what is wonder, and why should you make time for it?

According to the dictionary, wonder is defined as ‘a feeling of amazement and admiration, caused by something beautiful, remarkable, or unfamiliar’. It’s an emotion comparable to surprise that people feel when perceiving something rare or unexpected (but not threatening). Historically, wonder was regarded as an innate aspect of human nature, closely tied to curiosity and the driving force behind intellectual exploration.

Wonder can have a profoundly positive effect on both our personal and professional lives. Its ability to captivate and inspire us connects us to something larger than ourselves? (stick with me…)? - opening up our minds to explore and discover new ideas without the distraction of modern living.?

Research shows that experiencing wonder can lead to higher levels of satisfaction in life and overall wellbeing too. In the workplace, wonder can enhance creativity, motivation, and problem-solving skills and it can reduce stress and foster a sense of connection and gratitude, strengthening relationships and promoting mental health.? I see this as a benefit to any business, but particularly working in the creative sector this is something that is so important.? Creative? block anyone?

But, have you ever had that killer idea or a solution to a problem while walking back from grabbing lunch, on holiday or whilst taking a shower (will come onto the soothing nature of the elements in another blog), when your mind has had a chance to wander… and opened itself up to new ideas and thinking?? I certainly have - but we should be more mindful of helping to make this moments happen by carving out time out more frequently.

Harnessing creativity through wonder:

So why does wonder play such a pivotal role in nurturing creativity? When we embrace wonder, our minds engage in 'divergent thinking', essentially generating multiple ideas and solutions. So by actively seeking out moments of wonder in our lives, we can tap into our creative potential and develop novel ideas that can positively shape our worlds.

The healing power of nature:

Incorporating wonder into our lives can be beautifully complemented by immersing ourselves in nature. Over time if you really pay attention, you’ll see the connection if you haven’t already!? Nature has been proven to have a variety of positive effects on our mental health and wellbeing. Spending time in natural environments can reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and increase feelings of happiness and wellbeing.

So if you haven’t built time into your day to get out and take a walk or even to get some fresh air - do it.

Embracing wonder and nature:

Incorporating wonder and nature into our daily lives can be achieved through simple yet meaningful practices. I always say, it’s about appreciating the little things and it truly is.? Taking a moment to look and take in the world around us - a sunset, birds singing, or the crisp sound of walking on frosty mornings - creates impactful moments of wonder.?

Spending more time in nature, whether it's a leisurely stroll in the park or an invigorating hike in the woods, allows us to connect with our natural world and reap its benefits.

The impact on businesses:

I am sharing this on LinkedIn, so of course there is a little more of a nod to business.? We’re all human in the world of work too and the benefits of wonder are not limited to us as individuals.? They can extend to businesses as well. Incorporating wonder into the workplace can have a positive impact on teams of all sizes - a collective benefit from better wellbeing and clearer, creative thinking. Providing opportunities for people to experience moments of wonder can foster creativity and reduce stress levels tremendously.

It’s a big claim, but I truly believe that the power of wonder cannot be underestimated. By making time to free your mind and embrace wonder and the beauty of nature, we can unlock our creativity, improve our mental health, and foster a deeper connection with the world and people around us. As individuals, taking time to appreciate the wonders of life can lead to a more fulfilling, inspired and happier existence.?

Photo by OC Gonzalez on Unsplash