Chapter 1: The Power of Radical Amazement

"Live life in radical amazement. Take nothing for granted. Everything is phenomenal; never treat life casually. To be spiritual is to be amazed." These profound words from Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel resonate deeply, even when I'm feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. Recently, I've found myself metaphorically resembling a tater tot—crispy on the outside yet longing for something more meaningful.

After overexerting myself on the rowing machine, I developed a significant headache due to a neck strain. The discomfort was intense, radiating upward into my head. Thankfully, medication and an ice pack have helped to bring the pain down from a level 10 to a more manageable 7. Despite my high pain tolerance, I had been ignoring this for too long while juggling my responsibilities, including caring for my grandchildren.

Following a delightful outing with my daughter-in-law and grandkids to meet the Easter Bunny, the pain became nearly unbearable. My son kindly arranged for urgent care, and I was relieved to find that Medicare covered my visit—my prescription cost just 78 cents. After confirming the strain through x-rays, I received two injections for relief. My son picked me up just as the rain began to pour, and I was grateful for his support.

Despite the discomfort, time spent with my grandchildren brought joy. They enjoyed an impromptu concert on my drums, and Dean and Lucy quickly transitioned to bouncing on a mini-trampoline. Their laughter and energy helped ease my pain further. Though my body may not be as responsive as I wish, I can still appreciate its resilience. I took a well-deserved two-hour nap, listening to music that transported me back to fond memories of the past.

In the midst of my challenges, I find myself in awe of the love surrounding me—from family and friends to the comforts of my home. I feel grateful for fulfilling work and the chance to contribute positively to the world, even on tough days.

It is a beautiful day, despite the lingering pain.

Chapter 2: Finding Wonder in Daily Life

Incorporating moments of awe into our everyday lives can profoundly shift our perspective. For a deeper understanding of this concept, watch the following video:

This video highlights the life and teachings of Abraham Joshua Heschel, illustrating how wonder can be a guiding force even amidst adversity.

The importance of recognizing and nurturing this sense of wonder is further explored in this next video:

By embracing radical amazement, we can transform our experiences, allowing us to find beauty even in challenging situations.

About the Author

Edie Weinstein, MSW, LSW is a vibrant journalist and motivational speaker, with a passion for transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary. As a licensed social worker and interfaith minister, she has contributed to numerous publications and anthologies. Edie identifies as an Opti-mystic, viewing the world through a lens of possibility and hope. Through her work, including Hug Mobsters Armed With Love, she aims to spread positivity and connection.