Day 13, Wednesday, November 13, 2025
Reflection
Sailing through the subzero glacial waters in Alaska as the hills of snow passed by was simultaneously wondrous and terrifying.
As was a hint of frothy water hiding treacherous pointed rocks that had wrecked many incoming ships near the Cape of Good Hope.
Inspiration
What has awe, wonder, and delight to do with writing?
Awe is when we experience three emotions at once – fascination, terror, holiness. When an experience stops you in your tracks, blasts you open, awakens you… when the ego collapses, you encounter the land beyond the maps you have visualized. You feel sacralized and one with the infinite universe.
You cannot experience the sacred or have original ideas while living in the daily rut. Something has to shake you up, shatter your unexamined values, question your unanalyzed beliefs. Let the walls of the ego stretch thin. Die to yourself and be reborn in the sacred silence of your being.
Moments of awe can transform you, making you feel like a new person. Afterward you experience an increased feeling of well-being, compassion, insight, creativity, and knowledge of your goals and life’s purpose. Jody Foster, portraying the astronomer Ellie Alloway in the movie Contact, witnesses a celestial event. Awestruck, she said, “I had no idea. I had…. no… idea. They should have sent a poet.” When you experience nature’s awe, you are humbled, you are torn apart. Only poetic language of a poet or a writer can do justice to the experience you feel when we go through the portal to creativity that opens up an unfathomable realm.
Which brings me to the point of what awe has to do with writing or writers. To be continued tomorrow.
Journal Prompt
Have you experienced a time in nature in silence and solitude where you found such profound solace and comfort that you couldn’t move, so poignant that a poem emerged in your mind, or a whole story line?
Today’s Practice
Meditation: “Gratitude”
Read, reflect, and journal.
Lorraine
I’ve had many moments beside breathtaking nature (even non-breathtaking like sitting on a bench in a park) where my soul wants me to sit still… breathe… simply be – while my brain reminds of a busy life, lists, goals to be done. This practice of Unblocking and meditation have made sitting still a ‘goal’ and priority, so now I’m able to sink into stillness without guilt. Creating time for stillness and wonderment will forever be a daily goal. I’m hooked thanks to you Madhu.
Madhu B. Wangu
Namaste Lorraine!
It makes me so happy to note how you have been changing ordinary moments into extraordinary with the practice of mindfulness. Living fully each day is a way of life one can cultivate. And I can see how much pleasure you are receiving by walking on this path. I’m with you!