Common Triggers
- →Seeing something beautiful or unexpected
- →Experiencing a profound moment of connection
- →Discovering new information or insights
- →Encountering a surprising coincidence
- →Witnessing acts of kindness or bravery
- →Exploring new places or cultures
Physical Sensations
- •A sudden jolt in the chest
- •Widened eyes
- •Raised eyebrows
- •Dropped jaw
- •Increased heart rate
- •Open mouth
Plutchik's Emotion Wheel
surprise
orientation / attention
Working with This Emotion
Recognize
Wonder can be recognized by physical sensations like a sudden jolt, widened eyes, and an open mouth. Facial expressions might include raised eyebrows and a dropped jaw. Behavioral signs could include gasping or exclaiming in surprise. Associated words from the NRC lexicon include 'amazed', 'astonished', and 'flabbergasted'.
Understand
Common causes of wonder include unexpected events, new discoveries, and moments of profound beauty or significance. It often arises when we encounter something that challenges our existing beliefs or opens us to new possibilities.
Label
To label wonder accurately, distinguish it from similar emotions like surprise or awe. Wonder is more than just being surprised; it involves a deeper sense of admiration and amazement. It’s different from awe, which can be more overwhelming and often has a spiritual dimension.
Express
Healthy ways to express wonder include sharing your experience with others, creating art or writing about what moved you, and taking time to reflect on the moment. Engaging in activities that foster curiosity and openness can also help cultivate this emotion.
Regulate
When wonder feels overwhelming, try grounding techniques like deep breathing or focusing on a specific object. Reflect on why the experience was meaningful and how it aligns with your values. If you find yourself feeling numb to wonder, seek out new experiences that challenge and inspire you.
Co-occurring Emotions
Emotions that frequently appear alongside wonder, based on the NRC Emotion Lexicon.
Associated Words
Words associated with wonder from the NRC Emotion Lexicon.
Using Inner
In Inner, you can track patterns in when and where you experience wonder. Pay attention to body signals like widened eyes or a sudden intake of breath. Use journal prompts to explore what triggers your sense of wonder and how it makes you feel. Try mindfulness exercises to stay present and open to new experiences.
Try Inner for FreeSources & References
- —RULER Framework (Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence)
- —Plutchik's Wheel of Emotions
- —Geneva Emotion Wheel
- —Lisa Feldman Barrett - How Emotions Are Made
Related Content
Amazement
A feeling of great surprise or wonder.
Awe
A feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder.
Astonishment
Great surprise.
Projection
Attributing one's own unacceptable thoughts, feelings, or motives to another person.
The Self
The archetype of wholeness and the regulating center of the psyche.
Flying Dreams
Dreams of soaring through the air, often representing freedom or escape.