“Emergency Wonder” as Spiritual Practice: 3 Ways I Find Connection with Nature during Allergy Season
Some ways I’ve discovered to connect to nature, despite the obstacles of chronic illness
So I have severe allergies that cause debilitating migraines, which means I have to limit my time outside during the warm months. (I’ve written about the details of that reality here and here and here.) But I still need time in nature, as it is very important to my spirituality and mental health. So, in the warm months, I employ something I call “emergency wonder” (which I mentioned in last week’s post). Basically, “emergency wonder” is any practice that requires very few spoons and results in an instant sense of wonder and hope. Emergency wonder includes any practice that works for all phases of chronic illness: the full moon of good days, the eclipse of flare-ups, and everything in between.
In this post, I’ll outline three ways I find emergency wonder related to nature, even though I can’t spend much time in it during this particular season.
Floral Departments of Craft Stores
I know silk flowers are fraught from an environmental perspective, but I will say that having the option to walk into an allergy-free aisle of nature’s beauty can make a huge difference in my mental health and sense of spiritual connection during the months when my outside time is very limited.
Related to this: I actually had paper flowers at my wedding, made mostly out of old books by the amazing Paper Blossoms by Michal. I loved this option because it was at least partially recycled, was far less plastic than traditional silk flowers, and was all about supporting an artist who is herself committed to sustainability. (Plus my bouquet is now part of my home decor, so that was a cool second use too!)
Plastic Butterflies
When I was growing up, I always got so much joy out of miniature plastic creatures. And plastic butterflies were no exception. This continues to the present day: my current go-to self-care craft activity has been taking plastic butterflies and making hair clips, magnets, and tacks—to decorate my hair, my house, and my office. (I’d love to get plastic butterflies secondhand, so if you readers know of a good spot to do that, please let me know!) When I see the rainbow of butterflies, I’m filled with hope about the beauty of transforming seasons.
Nature-Inspired Thrift Finds
Related to the above, I love thrifting. I love finding secondhand clothes, decor, and coffee table books that are inspired by nature, and I love the aspect of reusing items that already exist and giving them a second life, honoring the earth and all that live on it. (I’ve written more about this here.) There’s something about the thrifting process—sorting through what’s old and then transforming it—that connects me to hope and the love that surrounds us all. Before me, these pieces were made and used by other humans, and I too have the chance to reuse and take care of them for present and future generations.
And this list is by no means exhaustive. As always, I want to note that these practices are what work for me, and I hope they’ll bring you some hope, wonder, and connection too. But more than that, I hope the idea of emergency wonder will empower you to find practices—spiritual or otherwise—that remind you of the love that surrounds you, giving you hope through all the phases of your life and experience. I hope these silly, whimsical things that bring me joy will remind you that you are enough—beloved and worthy of a life of wonder, health, love, and care.
Today, may we wonder at the magical diversity of who we all are and of what practices bring us a sense of divine love and connection.
What are some of your favorite wonder-bringing practices—spiritual or otherwise?
In Wonder,
Kandi Zeller (she/her)
Instagram: @kandi.zeller
Book Me for an Editing Project: tinyurl.com/kandizelleredits
I loved learning a bit about you here☺️I love tiny things, so keeping some of my favs near at hand is good for me, either to look at or use as a stim.
"Emergency Wonder"! Kandi, once again you put a name to something my soul has wordlessly fumbled for many times. We have a shared love of plastic butterflies, and your wedding bouquet is magnificent! Thank you once again for your gentle wisdom.