In our fast-paced, productivity-driven world, we often forget to pause and appreciate the beauty and wonder that surrounds us. Jeffrey Davis's book "Tracking Wonder" invites readers to rediscover their innate capacity for wonder and harness its power to live more fulfilling, creative, and meaningful lives.
Introduction
When was the last time you marveled at the moon's ethereal glow or found yourself captivated by a child's unexpected wisdom? In our relentless pursuit of efficiency and productivity, we've lost touch with the simple yet profound feeling of joyful amazement at life's wonders. Davis argues that this disconnection from wonder is holding us back, limiting our potential for innovation, motivation, and inner peace.
"Tracking Wonder" explores the idea that wonder isn't just a fleeting emotion but a powerful tool that can be cultivated and harnessed. By reconnecting with our sense of wonder, we can unlock creativity, deepen our relationships, and build resilience in the face of life's challenges.
Throughout the book, Davis introduces the concept of "tracking" wonder – a practice of tapping into our innate capacity for amazement through everyday exercises and mindset shifts. By developing the four facets of wonder – openness, curiosity, hope, and admiration – we can transform our lives and rediscover the childlike sense of awe that often gets lost in adulthood.
The Evolutionary Roots of Wonder
To understand the significance of wonder in our lives, Davis takes us on a journey to Tanzania's Gombe Stream game reserve. This lush rainforest, famous for Jane Goodall's groundbreaking research on chimpanzees, sets the stage for a lesser-known but equally compelling discovery about our primate cousins.
Evolutionary biologist Harold Bauer observed a mature male chimpanzee exhibiting peculiar behavior. The chimp would regularly leave the food-foraging area and trek through dense forest to sit and stare at a 25-foot waterfall. This wasn't a one-time occurrence; the chimp repeated this ritual day after day, sometimes pounding his fists on nearby trees and hooting with excitement.
What makes this behavior so intriguing is that the waterfall served no practical purpose for the chimp. It wasn't a food source or a primary water supply. The chimp's actions suggested something more profound – a sense of wonder and appreciation for the waterfall's beauty.
This observation led anthropologist Marcus Konner to propose that our human capacity for wonder is deeply rooted in our evolutionary history. The ability to pause and marvel at life's beauty isn't just a human trait; it's something we share with our closest animal relatives.
This evolutionary perspective highlights the fundamental importance of wonder in our lives. When we allow ourselves to be captivated by awe-inspiring sights or experiences, we tap into an ancient and essential part of our nature. It's a reminder that wonder isn't a frivolous distraction but a core aspect of what makes us human.
The Four Facets of Wonder
Davis introduces the concept of "tracking wonder" as a way to reconnect with our innate capacity for amazement. This practice involves developing four key facets of wonder: openness, curiosity, hope, and admiration. By cultivating these qualities, we can enrich our lives, spark creativity, and forge deeper connections with others and the world around us.
1. Openness: Embracing the Unknown
The first facet of wonder is openness – the willingness to embrace new experiences, ideas, and perspectives. Davis draws inspiration from the German poet Goethe, who believed that "naïveté is the most important attribute for genius." This idea suggests that our ability to approach life with an open mind is more valuable than raw intelligence when it comes to creative expression and problem-solving.
To illustrate the power of openness, Davis shares the story of Carey Smith, a businessman who ventured into unfamiliar territory. Smith, who initially manufactured rooftop sprinklers, decided to start making giant fans despite having no prior experience in the industry. His openness to new possibilities led him to embrace an unconventional name for his company – Big Ass Fans – which ultimately contributed to its success during the Great Recession.
Cultivating openness in our daily lives can lead to rich fulfillment and unexpected opportunities. Davis suggests several practical ways to nurture this facet of wonder:
- Listen actively to others, especially those with different viewpoints.
- Ask questions and seek to understand rather than judge.
- Embrace a new hobby or skill outside your comfort zone.
- Visit a new place at least once a month.
- Seek out people who challenge your ideas and perspectives.
One particularly powerful exercise involves finding a place with a clear view of the horizon. Take a moment to express gratitude for the good things in your life, then look towards the horizon and allow yourself to daydream about your ultimate goals and aspirations. Reflect on the steps you can take to move closer to that distant horizon, symbolizing your dreams and potential.
By cultivating openness, we create space for new ideas, experiences, and possibilities to enter our lives. This facet of wonder allows us to approach challenges with fresh perspectives and embrace the unknown with curiosity rather than fear.
2. Curiosity: Questioning the Everyday
Curiosity, the second facet of wonder, is something that comes naturally to children but is often suppressed as we grow older. Society often discourages excessive questioning, teaching us that "curiosity killed the cat" and that it's better to accept things as they are. However, Davis argues that rekindling our natural curiosity is essential for personal growth and fulfillment.
Research supports the benefits of curiosity. Psychologist Todd Kashdan has found that people with higher levels of curiosity tend to experience greater life satisfaction, well-being, and sense of meaning. Additionally, studies by cognitive psychologist Keith Oatley suggest that engaging with ambiguous narratives, such as literary short stories with open endings, can help keep our minds more open and flexible.
The key to harnessing the power of curiosity is to approach it without expectation of immediate reward. Some of the most groundbreaking scientific discoveries and successful businesses have emerged from people asking "why," "how," or "what if" – not "what can I get out of this?" This non-transactional approach to curiosity allows for genuine exploration and unexpected insights.
Davis offers several strategies for cultivating curiosity in our daily lives:
Keep a curiosity journal: Start each day by writing "Today I am curious about..." and reflect on what has recently piqued your interest. Allow yourself to explore these thoughts through writing or drawing.
Create a modern "cabinet of curiosities": In 16th-century Europe, people collected unusual objects that fascinated them in special cabinets. Create your own version using a bulletin board, tray, or actual cabinet to display items that spark wonder and curiosity in you.
Ask open-ended questions: When engaging in conversations, practice asking questions that encourage deeper exploration rather than simple yes or no answers.
Explore unfamiliar subjects: Regularly expose yourself to new ideas, topics, or fields of study that you know little about.
Embrace the beginner's mindset: Approach familiar situations or tasks as if you're experiencing them for the first time, looking for new details or perspectives.
By nurturing our curiosity, we open ourselves up to new possibilities and insights. This facet of wonder encourages us to look beyond the surface of our everyday experiences and discover the extraordinary in the ordinary.
3. Hope: Fueling Achievement and Connection
Hope, the third facet of wonder, is a powerful force that can inspire us to overcome challenges and pursue our goals. Davis illustrates the transformative power of hope through the story of naturalist Nikki van Schyndel and her partner, who found themselves in a perilous situation while rowing off the coast of Vancouver, Canada.
Caught in a sudden squall, the pair faced the very real danger of hypothermia. As they rowed through the storm, they noticed something extraordinary – neon-green sparks shining in the water where their oars struck. This bioluminescent algae, a rare and beautiful phenomenon, captivated their attention and lifted their spirits. The wonder of this natural spectacle gave them something to marvel at, distracting them from their dire circumstances and instilling a sense of hope that carried them to safety.
This anecdote demonstrates how hope, often sparked by moments of wonder, can provide the mental fortitude needed to persevere through difficult situations. Research supports the numerous benefits of hope:
- Academic achievement: Studies show a correlation between hopeful individuals and significant academic success.
- Physical stamina: Hopeful people tend to demonstrate greater physical endurance than average.
- Self-esteem: Hope is linked to higher levels of self-esteem and confidence.
- Goal attainment: Hopeful individuals are more likely to set ambitious goals and work persistently towards achieving them.
To cultivate hope in our lives, Davis suggests several practical strategies:
Set meaningful goals: Choose objectives that truly matter to you, whether they're as ambitious as starting a business or as simple as reading a book within a specific timeframe.
Take action walks: Go for a 15-minute walk to brainstorm small, actionable steps towards your goal. Use this time to identify potential obstacles and plan how to overcome them.
Focus on interests: Combat apathy by staying engaged with topics and activities that genuinely interest you.
Create purpose through connection: Like musician Nick Cave, who started the Red Hand Files website to connect with fans after a personal tragedy, find ways to use your experiences and talents to help or inspire others.
Practice gratitude: Regularly acknowledge the good things in your life to maintain a positive outlook.
Visualize success: Spend time imagining yourself achieving your goals and the positive impact it will have on your life.
By nurturing hope, we equip ourselves with the resilience and motivation needed to pursue our dreams and overcome life's challenges. This facet of wonder reminds us that even in difficult times, there is always the potential for positive change and growth.
4. Admiration: Reflecting Wonder in Others and Ourselves
The fourth and final facet of wonder is admiration – the ability to recognize and appreciate excellence in others. Davis describes admiration as experiencing "a surprising love for someone else's excellence that can awaken us to become better at what we do and how we do it."
It's important to note that admiration isn't about blind worship or deferring to others. Instead, it's about genuinely appreciating the remarkable qualities or achievements of those around us. This can be challenging, especially when faced with feelings of envy or inadequacy. However, learning to admire others can be a powerful tool for personal growth and fostering positive relationships.
Davis offers several strategies for cultivating admiration:
Flip the switch on envy: When you find yourself feeling envious of someone's accomplishments, try to identify specific aspects you admire. Ask yourself how you can use that admiration as inspiration for your own goals.
Celebrate others' successes: Make a habit of genuinely congratulating others on their achievements. This not only strengthens relationships but also helps shift your mindset towards admiration rather than comparison.
Learn from those you admire: Seek out information about the people who inspire you. Study their methods, philosophies, and journeys to success.
Explore your heroes' heroes: Look into the individuals who have inspired the people you admire. This can provide valuable insights and expand your network of role models.
Practice the mirror effect: Imagine two lit mirrors facing each other, continuously reflecting and amplifying light. Apply this concept to your interactions by recognizing and reflecting the admirable qualities in others.
Accept compliments graciously: When someone expresses admiration for you, allow yourself to fully appreciate and internalize their praise.
By developing our capacity for admiration, we open ourselves up to learning from others and recognizing the potential for greatness within ourselves. This facet of wonder encourages us to view the world through a lens of appreciation rather than competition, fostering a more positive and collaborative approach to life.
The Benefits of Tracking Wonder
As we cultivate the four facets of wonder – openness, curiosity, hope, and admiration – we begin to experience a range of benefits that can transform our personal and professional lives:
Enhanced creativity: By staying open to new ideas and approaching challenges with curiosity, we unlock our creative potential and discover innovative solutions.
Deeper relationships: Practicing admiration and genuine interest in others helps us forge stronger connections and build more meaningful relationships.
Increased resilience: Cultivating hope and maintaining an open mindset equips us to better handle life's setbacks and uncertainties.
Greater life satisfaction: Embracing wonder allows us to find joy and meaning in everyday experiences, leading to a more fulfilling life.
Improved problem-solving skills: Curiosity and openness enable us to approach problems from multiple angles, increasing our chances of finding effective solutions.
Personal growth: By admiring others and staying curious about the world around us, we continuously learn and evolve as individuals.
Enhanced well-being: The practice of wonder can reduce stress, increase positive emotions, and contribute to overall mental and emotional health.
Professional success: The skills developed through tracking wonder – such as creative thinking, adaptability, and the ability to connect with others – are highly valued in the modern workplace.
Practical Tips for Incorporating Wonder into Daily Life
To help readers begin their journey of tracking wonder, Davis provides several practical suggestions for incorporating wonder into everyday routines:
Wonder walks: Take regular walks with the sole purpose of observing and appreciating your surroundings. Notice details you might typically overlook, such as the patterns in tree bark or the way light reflects off surfaces.
Curiosity journaling: Keep a daily journal where you record things that spark your curiosity or fill you with wonder. This practice helps train your mind to actively seek out moments of awe.
Wonder breaks: Schedule short breaks throughout your day to engage in wonder-inducing activities, such as cloud-watching, listening to inspiring music, or observing nature.
Gratitude practice: End each day by reflecting on moments of wonder you experienced and expressing gratitude for them.
Wonder-sharing: Make it a habit to share moments of wonder with friends, family, or colleagues. This not only strengthens connections but also encourages others to embrace wonder in their own lives.
Skill exploration: Regularly try new activities or learn new skills, embracing the beginner's mindset and the wonder that comes with discovering something for the first time.
Wonder-inducing environments: Create spaces in your home or workplace that inspire wonder, such as a nature corner, an art wall, or a collection of fascinating objects.
Digital detox: Periodically disconnect from technology to allow yourself to be fully present and open to the wonders of the world around you.
Wonder challenges: Set personal challenges to seek out new experiences or perspectives that might induce wonder, such as watching a sunrise, learning about a new culture, or exploring an unfamiliar part of your city.
Mindfulness meditation: Practice mindfulness to cultivate present-moment awareness, which can enhance your ability to notice and appreciate moments of wonder in daily life.
Conclusion: Embracing a Life of Wonder
In "Tracking Wonder," Jeffrey Davis presents a compelling case for the importance of reconnecting with our innate capacity for wonder. By developing the four facets of wonder – openness, curiosity, hope, and admiration – we can transform our approach to life, work, and relationships.
The book serves as a reminder that wonder isn't just a childish indulgence or a distraction from productivity. Instead, it's a powerful tool for personal growth, creativity, and fulfillment. By learning to track wonder in our daily lives, we open ourselves up to new possibilities, deepen our connections with others, and cultivate resilience in the face of life's challenges.
As we navigate an increasingly complex and fast-paced world, the ability to pause and appreciate the extraordinary in the ordinary becomes more valuable than ever. "Tracking Wonder" offers a roadmap for reclaiming this essential human capacity and using it to create lives of meaning, possibility, and joy.
By embracing wonder, we not only enrich our own experiences but also contribute to a more compassionate, creative, and connected world. As we cultivate our sense of wonder, we inspire others to do the same, creating a ripple effect of curiosity, openness, hope, and admiration that has the power to transform individuals, communities, and society as a whole.
In the end, "Tracking Wonder" invites us to rediscover the childlike sense of awe that often gets lost in the hustle and bustle of adult life. It challenges us to look at the world with fresh eyes, to question our assumptions, and to remain open to the magic and mystery that surrounds us every day. By doing so, we unlock our full potential for growth, creativity, and fulfillment, leading lives that are not just productive, but truly wonder-full.