Ben took in the hike from a carrier on his dad’s back. He didn’t miss a trick, pointing out the birds in the sky, dogs, airplanes, and even a squirrel as we walked along.

Every time we approached a tree (which was often, as we were hiking in the woods!), Ben would gleefully blurt out “teee,” and reach out to try to touch it.

I was struck by the complete wide-eyed wonder with which he viewed every tree – as if each one was different and special and possessed by some magical quality. The eyes of a child are open to so many things that we’ve learned to overlook, pass by, or simply ignore.

Wouldn’t it be cool if everything we encountered brought us joy? If we were able to see the world through a lens of child-like wonder?

Interestingly, all it takes is a little practice to re-learn how to “see.”

Some time in the next few days, make an effort to look at something you haven’t given much thought to lately. Really look closely at its shape, color, texture, etc. If you had to describe it to someone wearing a blindfold, what would you say? Use your other senses too. Does it make a sound? Does it smell? What does it feel like? You may want to jot down some of your observations.

After trying this exercise a few times (try it outdoors with trees, rocks, bushes, ponds, streams, etc.), you’ll likely start to notice things you weren’t aware of previously. As with anything else, the more you practice, the more proficient you’ll become. And you’ll become more attuned to the joy and magic in what was once invisible.