Somewhere in her writings, interviews, or talks, the great Buddhist teacher Pema Chodron mentions that a mentor once had suggested that she begin each day by asking, “I wonder what will happen today?” I love morning rituals, and I have begun adding this question to my morning routine.
For a long time, I have begun my morning when I first awaken, by gratefully opening the two presents I have been given—my eyes. I consciously thank the Universe for giving me another morning.
I then gather myself, focus, and sit for a few moments on the edge of the bed with my bare feet firmly planted on the floor. I focus on that connection between my feet and our planet. I can feel and appreciate gravity tugging me down, hugging me to Mother Earth just through that contact between my feet and the floor. This reminds me that Mother Earth and I are one.
Next, I open the drawer of my bedside table and take my morning medications. One must tend consciously and consistently to the maintenance of one’s body after all.
This is the moment I have added the question “I wonder what will happen today?” to my morning routine. Let’s dissect this question a bit.
Without falling down that deep and enticing Buddhist rabbit hole of “self—no self,” it is clear to me that the “I” involved here is the physical, flesh and bone me, Craig Slater, asking the question. This understanding helps keep me in the present moment as I consider the question.
The next word in the question “wonder” is interesting. First, “wonder” is a noun. The Merriam Webster dictionary notes several definitions of this noun, all of which seem applicable to our morning question. One definition is “a cause of astonishment or admiration.” Well, awakening to another morning is or ought to be just that. I am indeed astonished to regain consciousness each morning.
Another definition of this noun is “rapt attention or astonishment at something mysterious or new to one’s experience.” I particularly like the mention of “attention.” As a writer, paying attention is the foundation of what I do to ply my trade. Unless you are content to sleep walk through your life, which, by the way, is your choice to make, paying attention makes life so much more interesting—not necessarily more fun however.
The final definition of the noun “wonder” is “a feeling of doubt or uncertainty.” This goes to the true core of our question. We awaken each morning and do not know with metaphysical certainty exactly what is going to happen. Each moment we are alive is, in a sense, a crap shoot. We do know one thing for certain however. The core of the Buddha’s teachings is “There is suffering.” Whatever awaits us each morning holds the potential for suffering. Be prepared and accept this fact, dear reader.
“Wonder,” the dictionary tells us, is also a verb. To wonder is “to feel curiosity or doubt.” There’s that “doubt” word again, but let’s focus on “curiosity.” My everyday definition of “mindfulness,” based on the work of Dr. Judson Brewer, is “Mindfulness is kind, curious awareness.” Simple and straight forward. So, start each day mindfully by being curious.
The next word to consider in our question is “what.” What indeed! What will happen? As I sit on the edge of my bed each morning, feet firmly on the floor, this question can fill me with so many emotions—dread, fear, hope, despair, love, hate, and on and on. As a Buddhist, I believe that life is in its essence, experiences. Also as a Buddhist, I understand that there are three possible general kinds of experience—pleasant experiences, unpleasant experiences, and “meh” or neutral experiences. Sorry, but that’s all we get on our experiences menu.
Oh, by the way, we don’t get to pick or choose from the experience menu. Life doesn’t unfold that way. It just happens. We may have plans, but the Universe laughs. We may have dreams, but dreams are so ephemeral and fragile. We may have hopes, but without actions, hopes are just so much wind and noise.
So, dear reader, I encourage you to begin each morning with the question, “I wonder what will happen today?” Approach this question with reverence for the Universe, with awe, with curiosity, with mindfulness. The benefits of doing this practice are not utter malarkey.
May we and all sentient beings be safe, be happy, be healthy, and may we all live with ease.
🙏 ☮
Thanks Craig. I often ask in the morning..."please help me see what I need to see today". A version of the same intent in your asking. As always...thank you for your thoughtfulness.
That's a great morning question to ask, Craig! I took my awakening routine from a suggestion by Thich Nhat Hanh: "Welcome to a brand new day! May today be filled with wonder, mindfulness, compassion, and understanding." (But it actually varies a bit each day because I never did memorize a statement, so I just kind of make up the words as they come to me in my half-awakened state). I also lie in bed for a few minutes trying to be totally present with what is; the sound of the birds outside, the weight of my body on the mattress, my breath, etc. It's so difficult to stay with! Thought, thoughts, thoughts, always floating in! 🙂