... never lose your sense of feeling surprise mingled with admiration, caused by something beautiful, unexpected, unfamiliar, or inexplicable.
I was reminded of this recently when I found myself exploring the local aquarium. As a land dwelling biped, by definition anything under the sea is foreign... as well as curious, fascinating, different, and worthy of any and all attention; if only for the astonishing way oxygen is extracted from the water to breathe.
With all this wonder in front of me, as incredulous as it may seem, I actually became weary of it all... and sad say, rather quickly.
Big fish, little fish, fat fish, skinny fish, flat fish, fish with teeth, fish without teeth... hey look, a shark, and another, and another; it seemed I had seen it all before - I WAS BORED.
As if the universe sensed my impertinence, I turned a corner and was introduced to Chrysaora quinquecirrha.
What I saw were dozens of them floating in the currents of their tank, backlit in blue. I simply stared in WONDER - And shortly after that, a small wave of humiliation washed over me.
Chrysaora quinquecirrha*
Never lose your sense of wonder, or in other words...
My wonder, particularly after watching a Chrysaora quinquecirrha find its way (with an awesome soundtrack added*) should be obvious, but perhaps not the reason for my humiliation.
Simply put, this small creature put me to shame for my ARROGANCE in believing I had seen it all before, knew it all, and simply wasn't savouring this amazing experience we call the human condition.
I was reminded that having or revealing an exaggerated sense of one's own importance, knowledge or abilities is limiting.
It limits you with regard to -
- Stretching yourself and understanding more.
- Seeing things you have not seen before.
- Experiencing new things.
- Moving beyond your comfort zone.
- Connecting with people who look at the world differently.
self reflection. - Experiencing the human condition to the fullest.
So with my newly minted Chrysaora quinquecirrha video, I am forever reminded to "Never lose my sense of wonder"... as well as appreciate and savour the moments that come my way.
iamgpe
- The sound track to the Chrysaora quinquecirrha is performed by The Mediaeval Baebes - Blow Northern Wind from the album The Rose.