Embrace the magic of the world around you! Awe sparks curiosity, connection, and kindness. Explore together through nature, science, and creative experiences.
“The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.” ― W.B. Yeats
Key Concepts
Awe makes us challenge our understanding of the world, making us question what we think we know. Research has found that experiences of awe make us feel more socially connected, reduces inflammation in the body, sparks curiosity, increases humility, and promotes acts of kindness and generosity.
What to Try
- Try taking a mindful walk, where you ask your child to close their eyes and see what they can hear. Have them report back to you, and repeat for each sense. Take a moment to feel connection to all of your surroundings together, and make yourself feel small by being part of something big.
- Read a book on inventions, the body, the lifecycle of mealworms. Watch a video of an experiment or take a trip to a science museum.
- Stargaze. Few things can help you step outside of yourself like space. Pack a blanket and get out there with some binoculars, or visit a planetarium. Get a book on planets and begin to learn about the space where imagination grows!
- Observe weather. Watching the sun rise (or set), lightning bolts (from a safe spot) or rain storms, or collecting snow on your tongue are all ways to help toddlers experience the joy and power of weather.
- Listen to music. Introduce your toddler to many types of music (it does not need to be children’s music) and even live performances if they are accessible.
- Tell magical stories. Draw about your adventures. Take pictures. Art of all forms can inspire and connect us to moments of awe and to nature.
Notes: