(W) is for Wonder

the a-z of tending

Wonder is a complex emotion that contains elements of surprise, contemplation and joy — and, most important, a heightened state of consciousness.¹

How are you cultivating wonder in your life?

Focusing on working around our homestead brings me joy. This past weekend we planted 7 new trees, mixed 42 cubic feet of amended soil and planted 6 blueberry plants. I love heritage planting; putting something in the ground that will grow, develop and bear fruit year after year. It is a little mark that we leave for future generations, and tending those plantings year after year is fulfilling.

We've added 4 more cattle tanks to our raised garden area this year. This was amending soil for blueberries and then mulching in the new area with woodchips from trees that have fallen on our property

I have always considered myself a life-long learner and this year have joined Sharon Blackie’s Nostos Institute. I was originally scheduled to go to a retreat Sharon was hosting at Broughton Sanctuary in February, but circumstances prevented it. Now that Nostos has launched I look forward to the opportunity to go in the future. What a treasure this education is! Learning about the ancients in philosophy and depth psychology has ignited a fire in me that can only be described as wonder. Check out the link below:

Nostos, the art of enchantment, and the cultivation of the mythic imagination

Another way that I explore wonder in my life is through celebrating the seasonal changes on the wheel of the year. The end of this week brings the first of May, May Day or Beltane and the lighter half of the year is here! Check out my post below for some history of Beltane and some quick ideas to honor the day.

Check out the rest of the posts from the A-Z 2026 Challenge below:

A is for Attention (4/1/26)

B is for Boundaries (4/2/26)

C is for Care (4/3/26)

D is for Daily Ritual (4/4/26)

F is for Food (4/7/26)

G is for Garden (4/7/26)

H is for Home (4/9/26)

I is for Intention, J is for Joy (4/10 &11/26)

K is for Kitchen (4/13/26)

L is for Listening (4/14/26)

M is for Maintenance (4/15/26)

N is for Nurture (4/16/26)

O is for Outreaching (4/17/26)

P is for Patience (4/18/26)

Q is for Quicken (4/20/26)

R is for Roots (4/21/26)

S is for Stewardship (4/22/26)

T is for Tarot (4/23/26)

U is for Understanding (4/24/26)

Part of the Blogging A-Z 2026 Challenge

Until next time,

Hello friend! My name is Amy. I am so happy you have stopped by 🍃 If you are new here, a warm welcome to you! This space is where I am learning to walk the wise woman road by returning to my true self through seasonal living, reflective writing, nourishing food, intuition, and resilience. Rooted in the rhythms of the earth and my lived experience, these writings are an invitation to slow down, listen inward, and remember what nourishes us. If this resonates with you, I invite you to subscribe and walk the seasons alongside me.

1. Wonder is a Skill We Are All Capable of Relearning