How to Recapture a Child's Sense of Wonder

"That's fascinating," says my six-year-old daughter from the back seat as we drive home from the bus stop this morning. She's under the weather and staying home with me today; we just dropped off her big brother for school.

"What's fascinating?" I ask.

"Our car's shadow." She's been watching the play of light and shade that we're creating as our vehicle moves along. Even with a fever, she is highly attuned to the world around her. Because that's what children do: They observe. They narrate what they see. They don't fully understand everything, or even pretend to understand it all, which makes life seem more mysterious and magical.

Children are naturally poets and artists. To live creatively as adults, I think it's important to try our best at reclaiming that childlike vision, that wonder at the awesomeness of the world. Not that I have all the answers (being an adult and all), but here are a few ways to veer in that general direction:

1. Pick up a camera. It will help you to seek out the interesting and beautiful things.

2. Stop pretending to know it all. If you don't know something, just admit it and look it up. Children love learning new things.

3. Really see with your eyes. Examine things from all angles. Look at them upside down. Get closer. Children love magnifying glasses.

4. Really hear with your ears. Every little noise makes children jump up and imagine what's out there. Count how many things you can hear and identify outdoors when you're not making any noise yourself.

5. Be thankful for all of the little things--like children and their boundless imaginations.

How are you doing in the Children's Imagination Department?

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