Finding Wonder and Enchantment in Everyday Life

On Wednesday, people in Iceland, Greenland, northern Russia, Spain, and a part of Portugal will experience a total eclipse. David Baron, an eclipse chaser and science writer, describes it as life-changing. “You will see a sun you’ve never seen before,” he told Life Kit in an interview. “It’s like you’ve left the solar system and are looking back from some other world.” While certain northern parts of the US will see a partial solar eclipse, what if you can’t witness this rare event? Don’t worry, there are ways to bring wonder into your everyday life.

Capture the Bizarre: Interpret Your Dreams

Harvard dream researcher Deirdre Barrett suggests interpreting dreams to capture the surreality of an eclipse missed. At bedtime, say your intention aloud. “Just tell yourself as you’re falling asleep that you want to remember your dreams,” she says. Upon waking, write down your dream and consider its relevance to your waking life. Focus on dream symbols and images, then reflect on their meanings. To learn how dreams can help solve problems, listen to our episode.

Behold Supernatural Beauty: Open Your Eyes to Novelty

Finding beauty in everyday life is possible. Author Jenny Odell, in a 2020 interview, suggested being attentive to change. Walk through your neighborhood and notice flowering plants. Track their growth over time, and observe insects and sounds around you. This exercise can reopen your eyes to enchantment and novelty.

Alter Your Perception: Look at a Work of Art

Connecting with art can be as impactful as viewing an eclipse. Art historian Susie Hodge encourages personal connections with art. A color or pattern might trigger memories and emotions. Let your mind wander and follow your thoughts. A deep connection will occur. Read more on how to engage with art.

Conjure Powerful Emotions: Connect with Poetry

Reading poetry can evoke emotions akin to witnessing an eclipse. Poet Harryette Mullen advises interpreting poems personally, not seeking the poet’s intended meaning. As you read “The Song of Wandering Aengus” by William Butler Yeats, consider your overall impression and emotional response. Trust whatever “something” resonates with you. Learn more about visualizing poetry.

Transform Body and Mind: Try ‘Forest-Bathing’

Nature offers transformational experiences like a solar eclipse. The practice of shinrin-yoku, or forest-bathing, involves connecting with nature through the senses. Qing Li, a researcher, and Gary Evans, director at the Forest Bathing Institute in the U.K., suggest finding a forest spot and breathing deeply. A slower exhale sends a calming message to your body. Nature can offer insights into your emotional state. Explore the science behind forest-bathing and its health benefits.

This story was written by Malaka Gharib and edited by Clare Marie Schneider. Visual editing is by Beck Harlan. We’d love to hear from you. Leave a voicemail at 202-216-9823, or email [email protected]. Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or sign up for our newsletter.