Reconnecting with a Child’s Perspective: Rediscovering Wonder in a World We Think We Understand
Often, we find ourselves immersed in the monotony of life, assuming that everything is as simple and mundane as it seems. But what if, for a moment, we could see the world through the eyes of a child? How would it be like, and what would make sense to us?
“Oh wow, neato! Lookit that! Wowee! Mom, dad, lookee here! What is that? Why?”
In those innocent, unassuming moments, everything is new, surprising, and amazing. Everything becomes a fresh adventure, explored with genuine curiosity.
Working Backward: The Diminishment of Wonder
Like everyone else, you were once a child. Working backwards from the present, take notes on everything that added to or diminished your sense of wonder. What were the experiences, people, or events that made you feel less amazed by the world?
Now, working your way forwards again, proactively reconnect with these moments of wonder. Identify the negatives and eliminate them, while accentuating the positives. What do you end up with?
What you should be left with is a “wise fool” – an adult who has rediscovered the magic of childhood. Nothing makes sense, and everything does, and it’s okay. You are not the point. You are simply a participant in the grand wonder of existence.
Pepare to Experience the World Like a Child
Imagine stepping into the world like a child, filled with curiosity and wonder. Picture your younger sibling who approaches the age of three. Everything is a source of amazement and her insatiably curious nature is inspiring.
At such a young age, she hasn’t yet grasped three crucial concepts: work, damage, and danger. She has yet to understand the importance of these concepts and hasn’t encountered anything harmful in her environment. Everything she sees is like a toy or a game to play with.
Her playfulness knows no bounds. For instance, she might find a kitchen utensil drawer and see it not as tools, but as things to make noise with, stack, or poke her brother with. To her, everything that is placed on Earth is there to make her life more fun.
She goes about her curious explorations without a care in the world because she knows her parents provide for her needs. She doesn’t worry about feeding herself or paying rent; she simply plays. Imagine trading places with your child for a day, enjoying the freedom of a playground while she works to ensure your safety and cleanliness.
Every moment spent in the world like a child is a moment of pure joy. She brings immense happiness, and she hopes to give you as much joy as you give her every time you watch her play.