Wonder is a feeling of amazement and admiration, often triggered by something unexpected or extraordinary. It's a medium-intensity positive emotion that can feel both surprising and deeply moving. Wonder helps us stay open to new experiences and fosters a sense of awe and curiosity. According to Plutchik’s model, wonder falls under the category of surprise, which is characterized by high arousal and neutral valence. This emotion serves an important function in orienting our attention and helping us process unexpected events.

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.

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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

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.

Practical Examples