The Chronic Condition Of Wonder
The wonder of a child is the sense of amazement, curiosity, and excitement they experience when discovering new things in the world. Children are naturally curious and open-minded, and they find joy in even the simplest of things. This wonder allows them to see the world with fresh eyes and appreciate the beauty and magic that surrounds them. I was reminded of this in Phatastes when it was said, “But it is no use trying to account for things in Fairy Land; and one who travels there soon learns to forget the very idea of doing so, and takes everything as it comes; like a child, who, being in a chronic condition of wonder, is surprised at nothing.” I guess I’m lucky because I am still childlike in that I am still curious and get fascinated by the littlest things. I hope I don’t ever lose my sense of wonder.
The lesson from the quote in Phantastes was a reminder of the importance of embracing wonder and allowing ourselves to be fully immersed in the magical and unknown aspects of life. The Fairy Land of Phantastes taught us to let go of the need to always rationalize or explain everything and instead, simply enjoy the beauty and mystery of the world around us.
One way to keep from losing our childlike wonder as we get older is to maintain a sense of curiosity and openness to new experiences. We need to continue seeing the world with fresh eyes, like a child would, and find joy in the simple things. Engage in activities that spark your imagination and creativity, and surround ourselves with people who encourage our sense of wonder. Remember to explore, learn, play just like a child would, and allow ourselves to be wowed.
Being Childlike
The other day during a Zoom meeting I said that I thought that I had matured a little over the last year. Then, one of the participants said, “Well, just don’t quit being childlike.” I thought about that and actually wrote it on my notepad. Now, as I come back to that note I guess I look at being childlike having all to do with growth, curiosity, and feeling free enough as individuals to be ourselves without unduly formed restrictions. Those things really have nothing to do with maturity and all to do the positive qualities related to children. Things like innocence, trusting, unguarded, or being vulnerable like a child. It also means taking off the many masks of propriety imposed within our society that limit our creativity and sense of exploration. I do allow myself to play, and to be silly.
I probably wouldn’t have written a blog post about this, but when reading yesterday in Mo Rocca’s awesome book, Mobituaries, yesterday he wrote that someone had described Sammy Davis Jr. as being childlike, not childish. This made me think more about the difference. Sammy certainly was fun, relaxed, spontaneous, creative, adventurous, and silly. At the same time that he was entertaining us he was doing a lot of great things in the world. Certainly not childish behavior. Childlike, yes; childish, no.
Therefore, being childlike has everything to do with growing, being curious, and being ourselves without those unduly formed restrictions that society wants to place on us. I sure hope I don’t grow out of being childlike!
Byron's Babbles 
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