What we see in this child’s face is awe. And the fact that it’s a child’s face means that this isn’t a learned behavior, but something built into us… something gifted to us by nature. We are, that is to say, designed and constructed to experience awe, wonder, and other upward movements of the heart. In fact, we require these things: they extend us, they balance us, and they reach out to the best in others.

The more we discount such upward swellings and turn away from them, the harsher, colder and more legalistic we become. The more we accept them, seek them and share them, the better we function, the healthier we become, and the more we progress.

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So, before going back to the mundane, search your memories and focus on times when you experienced awe, gratitude, wonder, appreciation, and other upward movements of your heart. Spend some time with them; let them spread through you and begin to heal you.