“I am all astonishment.” ~ Jane Austen
I’ve discovered a most interesting magazine. Actually, to call it a magazine is a put down, this publication is masterful. Have you ever heard of Bella Grace?
One day I was sitting in a bookstore enjoying the collection of house decorating publications I amassed as inspiration for my new cabin. The bookstore cafe tempted me with a coffee and a sweet treat. I settled into a comfortable spot; the afternoon was leisurely, a place to enjoy my own company. After more than an hour, my mug emptied, my plate of crunchy cookies reduced to a few crumbs, I started to make two stacks; for purchase and one to return to the shelf.
Then I saw it. It stood alone on a rack near the cafe. I wondered how I missed seeing the beautiful compelling cover. I left my table, as if the publication whispered my name. I was captivated for another hour, my eyes drinking in the stunning photography attached to short almost journal like articles. I read the 160 pages in one sitting. Inspired by the tug of the articles and the stories of courage it takes to journey through life.
The discovery of this publication has me thinking about how small things can bring comfort. Too often we think we are too minor to change the world, but in reality noticing the extraordinary in the ordinary and sharing the wonder found common things is a marvel. The article writers poured warm syrup into my soul that sweetened the rest of my day. I felt smiley and at peace and wanted to “do unto others.”
I share all this to say, don’t discount the small things you bump into during your day. There really is wonder all around us and we can be astonished if we let ourselves see it.
Ellie Harris writes in Bella Grace, Life’s a Beautiful Journey, issue 19, an article titled, “From Breath to Breath.” She explains that life happens between our first and last breath and we must make the most of how we use our words and time. She gives “14 Days of Astonishment” writing prompts at the end of her article. Harris asks readers to take 14 days and allow yourself to be astonished, to pay attention, then write or tell about your discovery.
Her prompts are inspiring and make you want to look out the window or pick a flower. A few examples she gives as prompts to be astonished to see, “ Something that Sparkles” or “Something that touches your skin” or “On the path you take often.”
The comfort that small discoveries can bring to our day, no matter what suffering or joys we face can be a pick-me-up that you can spread into the corners of another person's day.
Let’s give it a try. What is Astonishing you today? Write about it.