An especially powerful way to search for awe on a wonder walk is to engage your senses while walking. Spiritual awe can flow into your life through your physical senses of seeing, hearing, smelling, touching, and tasting.
Proverbs 20:12 reminds us that our physical senses are gifts from God: “Ears that hear and eyes that see – the Lord has made them both.”
It's a good idea to start your wonder walk with prayer and end it with meditation. That will help you notice and appreciate the messages God sends through your senses.
Hearing music on a neighborhood walk once led me on an adventure of discovering awe. Drums pounded out a rhythm that led me in the direction from which I heard the sound. As I got closer, I could hear electric guitars wailing. Soon I saw the source of the music. A garage band was practicing. Band members played and amplified a wild song with unabashed joy. I lingered nearby to enjoy the music, and my other senses came alive as I became more aware of the wonder around me. Colorful fall leaves in the trees attracted my attention. The scent of macaroni and cheese wafted out a window at another house. A breeze ruffled through my hair. In those simple moments, I felt a profound connection to everyone and everything nearby.
Engaging our senses pulls us fully into the present moment. That helps us become aware of the wonder around us.
How have your senses come alive on a walk and led you to experience awe?
Learn more about experiencing God’s wonder in Wake Up to Wonder (order the paperback or the e-book) and Wonder Through the Year: A Daily Devotional for Every Year (order the paperback or the e-book).