Wonder: In Praise of Slowing Down

“Listen, are you breathing just a little, and calling it a life?”

— Mary Oliver [1]

The older I get, the more often I find myself grieving the ache of passing time. I’ve often reflected with peers on how so many adults told us that time would pass quicker as we got older, but no one told us how to live in the light of this uncomfortable truth. The lasting advice seemed to be: “Enjoy it while you can.” However, without realizing it, it quickly seemed too late to enjoy whatever “it” was defined as, perhaps childhood or innocence or naivete. It felt as though my opportunity to savor life passed, and I was left longing for what life should’ve been. 

Many of us know the quiet pain of realizing we no longer take delight in the things that once brought joy. Psychologists define that feeling as “anhedonia,” or the inability to take pleasure or the lack of motivation to seek joy [2]. It is a common symptom of depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders, and yet its existence does not lead directly to a diagnosis. Rather than being a symptom that causes alarm, anhedonia seems to be a common state of living.

It is no surprise that twenty-first century Americans prioritize speed and productivity. From the fastest cars to AI that cuts work time by hours, ads promise a life that is free from mundane tasks, a life that has time for “what truly matters.” But what “truly matters?” Who has the time to figure that out when additional time could be filled with more work that may one day lead to what “truly matters?” Rather than living an idealized “adulthood” of finding our purpose, we are stuck in an endless cycle of work that never allows us to think to ourselves–for once–“is this how life should be?” It feels dangerous to stop moving; it is vulnerable to slow down in a world that rushes by. What will you miss? Who will jump ahead? What will people think of you? 

Take a deep breath.

Fill your lungs completely. Quiet your mind. Notice what is around you. 

There is a Latin phrase, solvitur ambulando, or, “it is solved by walking” [3]. Often attributed to Saint Augustine of Hippo, this phrase captures something deeply human: we need time and space to think clearly. One way that many do this is through spending time in nature. Research consistently shows that spending time in nature is deeply healing to our bodies and beneficial for our mental health. In an article published in the APA journal, Kristen Weir presents increasing evidence that nature lowers our stress levels, replenishes our cognitive resources, and restores our ability to concentrate and pay attention [4]. There is something in us that deeply rests when in spaces of beauty and awe. 

A recent New York Times article titled “How A Bit of Awe Can Improve Your Health” captured a fascinating truth: awe is physiologically grounding. Research has proven that awe “activates the vagal nerves, clusters of neurons in the spinal cord that regulate various bodily functions, and slows our heart rate, relieves digestion‌ and deepens breathing” [5]. Awe quiets the part of our brain that is the source of self-criticism and self-hatred as it completely narrows our focus on something else. Curiously, awe both calms us and nudges us to consider our place in the world. It can seem paradoxical, though. Feeling small in the vastness of the world can be uncomfortable—but perhaps there is freedom in such humility.

Though less familiar to non-Western cultures, many religions emphasize an intentional positioning of wonder through meditation, prayer, or other rituals. The Christian tradition is unique, however, in its emphasis on relationship. Rather than an emptying of the mind through some traditions of meditation [6], Christians focus on filling up their minds with the Bible, which they believe to be words from God. Rather than praying to a god whose presence may not be actively known, Christians believe they are directly communing with their Heavenly Father, whom they can have a relationship with. The book of Proverbs, a collection of wisdom literature that gives practical advice for life, speaks to a childlike faith. Childlike—not childish—faith refers to a faith that is safe in a trusted relationship of love. Childlike faith is grounded in trust formed from experience and the maturity to seek growth. Wonder-filled, childlike faith places the Christian not only in a position of awe but also in a position to ask questions. Additionally, it is important to note that the word “wonder” doesn’t only mean a state of admiration. It can also be the action of desiring to know something or doubt [7], which is seen throughout Scripture.

Feeling small in the vastness of the world can be uncomfortable—but perhaps there is freedom in such humility.

The Bible is full of different characters asking, pleading, and wondering. King David, the mighty King who was described as “a man after God’s own heart,” asked God over and over “how long, O Lord?” [8] as he wrestled with confusion and longing. The very man whose family line would lead to Jesus pleaded with God in raw honesty and is still one of the greatest models of devotion. Even Thomas, one of Jesus’ disciples, openly voiced his uncertainty about the resurrection. He stated, “Unless I see…I will never believe” [9]. Upon appearing to his disciples, Jesus allows Thomas to feel the wounds and scars on his body, after which Thomas confesses Jesus as God. In response, Jesus replies, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” [10]. Jesus simultaneously honors those who believe through faith while drawing near to those who doubt. 

Wonder is a complex idea. It embodies the exciting prospect of discovery while also encompassing the complicated feeling of doubt. It is founded on the humbling yet freeing feeling of slowing down and being small, a position that is rarely celebrated in our modern world. It can be uncomfortable to be an amateur in a world of speed and expertise, but the beautiful origin of the word amateur is from the Latin root “amare,” which means “to love” [11]. The word came out of a description of people who work for the love of their work rather than the status and money. In an age of nonstop stimulation, slowing down is not weakness but strength. It does not mean abandoning ambition or doing less; instead, it invites a steadier heart, a clearer mind, and a reprieve from the frantic pressure to do everything perfectly.

It can be uncomfortable to be an amateur in a world of speed and expertise, but the beautiful origin of the word amateur is from the Latin root “amare,” which means “to love”.

So, take a deep breath.

Dare to be an amateur, a lover of life. 

Dare to be a slow grower, eager to ask questions.

Pause, rest in wonder, and take part in the beauty of the world around us.

Sources

1. Oliver, Mary. West Wind Poems and Prose Poems. S.l.: Ecco, 2023. 
2. Does joy feel out of reach? there’s a word for that. Accessed December 5, 2025. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/16/well/mind/psych101-anhedonia.html. 
3. “Merriam-Webster Dictionary.” 2025. Merriam-Webster.com. 2025. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/solvitur%20ambulando.
4. ‌Weir, Kristen. “Nurtured By Nature.” Monitor on psychology. Accessed December 4, 2025. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/04/nurtured-nature. 
5. How a bit of awe can improve your health (published 2023). Accessed December 5, 2025. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/03/well/live/awe-wonder-dacher-keltner.html. 
6. Team, Bart Mendel and Mindworks. “Buddhist Meditation Techniques & Practices: Mindworks (with Examples).” Mindworks Meditation & Buddhist Path, October 20, 2025. https://mindworks.org/blog/buddhist-meditation-techniques-practices/. 
7. “Wonder Definition & Meaning.” Merriam-Webster. Accessed December 4, 2025. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wonder. 
8. Psalm 13:1, ESV
9. John 20:25, ESV
10. John 20:29, ESV
11. “Amateur | Etymology, Origin and Meaning of Amateur by Etymonline.” n.d. Www.etymonline.com. https://www.etymonline.com/word/amateur.