64 | S009 | The Magic of Wonder

 Explore Sunny's Values Scouts

In Episode 64 of the PROTECT Podcast, Dr. Manaan Kar Ray and Mahi explore the transformative value of Wonder. Building on last week’s theme of curiosity, this episode dives deeper into the magic of noticing and appreciating the beauty around us. Wonder isn’t just about grand, life-changing moments—it’s about finding awe in the ordinary, from a shimmering flower to a breathtaking sunset.

Through the enchanting story of Sunny’s journey with Hazel the Hummingbird, we learn how wonder helps us pause, notice, and marvel at life’s everyday miracles. Hazel’s vibrant perspective reminds us that even the smallest things can fill us with joy if we take the time to truly see them.

Dr. Kar Ray shares fascinating research on the mental and physical benefits of wonder, revealing how awe reduces stress, boosts mood, and fosters a profound sense of connection. Wonder shifts our perspective, helping us feel part of something greater and instilling hope, even in challenging times.

The episode also highlights the importance of wonder in mental health practice, showing how it fosters deeper connections, enhances creativity, and nurtures both clients and practitioners. Through thoughtful prompts and a spotlight on Norway’s awe-inspiring landscapes, this episode invites you to rediscover the magic all around you.

Join us as we celebrate wonder—the value that transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary. Prepare to pause, marvel, and let the beauty of life fill your heart.

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Transcript

1. Opening Chit Chat with Activity Reminder (2-3 mins)

Mahi: Hello, everyone! Welcome back to the PROTECT Podcast! We’re on Episode 64, and as always, I’m here with the wonderful Dr. Manaan Kar Ray! How are you feeling, Manaan?

Manaan: Feeling full of wonder today, Mahi! And ready to share that with all of you. I have to say, Mahi, after our last episode on curiosity, I found myself looking at things a bit differently this week. I was practically a meerkat, noticing everything!

Mahi: Yes! Curiosity is infectious. Last time, we invited families to notice new things together—did you try something curious, Manaan?

Manaan: I did! I finally tried making homemade bread. Let’s just say the bread had a lot of… character. But it taught me that curiosity leads to discoveries, even if some of them are, well, less edible.

Mahi: Haha, well, this week, we’re taking curiosity a step further, into the realm of wonder! So let’s dive in and explore what wonder is all about.

2. Value Introduction with Quotes (2 mins)

Mahi: Wonder is one of those values that makes life feel magical. There’s a quote from Rachel Carson that I think captures it beautifully: “The more clearly we can focus our attention on the wonders and realities of the universe about us, the less taste we shall have for destruction.” It’s like wonder makes us appreciate the beauty of life.

Manaan: Exactly, Mahi! Wonder opens our eyes to the marvels around us. Here’s one from Albert Einstein: “He who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe is as good as dead; his eyes are closed.” Wonder keeps our eyes wide open to life’s magic.

Mahi: Yes, it’s about looking at the world and saying, “Wow.” Today, Sunny’s journey into wonder will help us find that sense of awe in our own lives.

3. Guessing Game Recap and Reveal (3-4 mins)

Mahi: Now, it’s time for our guessing game recap! Last episode, we asked you to guess who would guide Sunny in discovering the value of wonder.

Manaan: We got some great guesses! Sofia from Melbourne guessed a butterfly, thinking its transformation captures the beauty of wonder. And Max from Nairobi guessed an owl for its wise, wide-eyed perspective on the world.

Mahi: Both great choices, but the answer is… drumroll… Hazel the Hummingbird! Hazel’s incredible speed, bright colors, and love for life’s little wonders make her the perfect guide for Sunny today.

Manaan: Exactly! Let’s join Sunny and Hazel now as they explore the world of wonder.

4. Storytime with Sunny’s Values Scouts (10 mins)

Mahi: Alright, everyone, it’s time for The Magic of Wonder. Settle in and let’s join Sunny on his journey with Hazel the Hummingbird.

[Story Reading: “The Magic of Wonder”]

Mahi: What a beautiful journey. Sunny learned that wonder is everywhere if we just take the time to notice it—whether it’s a waterfall, the stars, or even a simple flower.

Manaan: Absolutely. Wonder fills us with appreciation for the little things and helps us slow down to enjoy the beauty all around us.

Section 5: Research & Relevance to Mental Health and Wellbeing

Mahi: So, why is wonder so important for our well-being, Manaan?

Manaan: Wonder has a profound and almost magical impact on our mental and emotional health. Research shows that moments of awe—those times when we encounter something so vast or beautiful that it takes our breath away—can actually lower stress and anxiety levels, improve mood, and even enhance our physical health. It’s as though our minds and bodies respond to wonder with a deep, healing sigh. When we feel awe, our brains release endorphins, creating a natural sense of euphoria, while simultaneously reducing cortisol, the hormone that fuels stress. In fact, studies have shown that even a brief experience of wonder can recalibrate our nervous system, creating a sense of calm and balance.

Mahi: That’s fascinating, and I’ve read that wonder doesn’t just make us feel good in the moment—it has lasting effects. People who experience awe regularly tend to have stronger immune responses. There was a fascinating study where participants who walked in nature and marveled at its beauty showed lower levels of pro-inflammatory markers, which are linked to stress and illness. It’s like wonder builds resilience into our very cells.

Manaan: Precisely. And the benefits are particularly profound for children. When children encounter something truly wondrous, it sparks their natural curiosity and fuels their creativity. It’s a domino effect: wonder leads to questions, questions lead to exploration, and exploration opens up new worlds of understanding. Wonder also nurtures emotional intelligence, helping children develop empathy by noticing and appreciating the world—and people—around them.

Mahi: I love that. And there’s another layer to it, isn’t there? Wonder helps us step outside of ourselves. Research shows that awe-inspiring experiences—like standing beneath a starry sky or watching a powerful waterfall—can help us feel part of something larger. It’s almost like a reset button for our minds, shifting our focus from daily stressors to the bigger picture. That shift can bring us peace, perspective, and even gratitude.

Manaan: Exactly. Psychologists call this phenomenon the “small self effect.” When we’re caught up in wonder, our own worries and challenges feel smaller. We gain perspective and reconnect with the beauty and interconnectedness of life. This sense of connection is deeply comforting and has been shown to reduce feelings of loneliness. For young people, especially, wonder instills hope—it reminds them that life is full of beauty and endless possibilities, even in difficult times.

Mahi: And isn’t that such a gift? To be able to pause, notice, and feel the magic of life all around us. That’s something we should all strive for, no matter our age.

Section 6: Wonder as a Value in Mental Health Practice

Mahi: That brings us to an interesting question, Manaan—how can wonder be an important value in mental health practice?

Manaan: That’s such an important point, Mahi. Wonder, at its core, is about seeing the world—and people—with fresh eyes. In mental health practice, it’s an incredibly powerful tool because it encourages both practitioners and clients to embrace curiosity, openness, and hope. When we approach a person or a situation with a sense of wonder, we move away from judgment and assumptions, and instead, we ask, “What makes this person unique? What story is unfolding here?”

Mahi: I love that perspective. It shifts the focus from just identifying problems to also exploring potential, doesn’t it?

Manaan: Exactly. For practitioners, cultivating wonder means being curious about the strengths, resilience, and inner world of every individual we meet. Instead of just looking at symptoms or diagnoses, wonder invites us to see the person beyond the label—to ask, “What’s remarkable about their journey? How can their unique perspective contribute to their healing?”

Mahi: And for clients, wonder can be equally transformative, right? It helps them see their lives through a more compassionate and curious lens.

Manaan: Absolutely. Encouraging clients to reconnect with wonder can open the door to self-discovery and renewal. For example, asking someone to reflect on what fills them with awe—whether it’s nature, art, or even memories of meaningful moments—can ignite a sense of purpose and joy. It also reminds them that there’s beauty and hope in the world, even when life feels heavy.

Mahi: I can see how that would help someone reconnect with a sense of meaning and possibility. It’s like wonder gently expands their world beyond the immediate struggles they’re facing.

Manaan: Exactly. Wonder can also help create what we might call "therapeutic moments of awe." These are those instances in therapy where someone pauses, reflects, and realizes something profound about themselves or their situation. These moments can be deeply healing because they allow a person to see their story in a new light—whether it’s discovering their resilience, feeling gratitude for support, or recognizing that change is possible.

Mahi: That’s beautiful, Manaan. It’s almost like wonder becomes a bridge—not just between therapist and client, but between the client and a brighter vision of their life.

Manaan: That’s a great way to put it. And we can also use wonder to create a sense of safety and connection. By being genuinely curious and amazed by a client’s unique strengths, we communicate to them that they matter, that their story matters. This can foster trust and openness in the therapeutic relationship, which is essential for meaningful work to happen.

Mahi: I imagine it also helps practitioners avoid burnout, doesn’t it? When you approach your work with wonder, you’re constantly reminded of the profound and awe-inspiring aspects of the human experience.

Manaan: Exactly. Wonder is like a wellspring of renewal for practitioners. It helps us stay connected to the beauty of what we do—the privilege of witnessing transformation, resilience, and healing. When we allow ourselves to marvel at these moments, it keeps the work meaningful and energizing.

Mahi: So, in a way, wonder is both a gift we give to our clients and one we receive ourselves through the process. It’s a value that nurtures everyone involved.

Manaan: That’s precisely it, Mahi. Wonder has this ripple effect. It enriches the therapeutic process, enhances personal growth, and fosters deeper connections—not just between therapist and client, but between all of us and the beauty of life itself. It’s truly one of the most life-affirming values we can bring into mental health practice.

Section 7: Discussion Prompts for Courageous Conversations

Mahi: Now, let’s move into some thoughtful prompts to spark conversations about wonder. These are perfect for families or even classroom discussions. Let’s start with this: How did Sunny learn about the importance of pausing and noticing the beauty around him, like Hazel taught him about wonder?

Manaan: That’s a fantastic starting point, Mahi. It encourages children to reflect on how slowing down can help us truly see and appreciate the world. It’s not just about looking—it’s about seeing with your heart.

Mahi: Exactly. Here’s another: Can you think of something in nature—like the sunrise or a butterfly—that makes you feel a sense of wonder? This one gives children the chance to share their personal experiences with awe and helps them realize that wonder is all around them.

Manaan: I love that one! And it ties beautifully into this question: Why do you think Hazel believes that even small things, like bees or flowers, can fill us with wonder if we take the time to notice them? It’s a gentle reminder that wonder doesn’t always come from grand, dramatic moments—it’s often found in the ordinary, if we’re willing to look.

Mahi: That’s so true. Another great prompt is: What part of the jungle do you think Sunny found most magical, and what places make you feel that way? It encourages children to connect Sunny’s adventure with their own lives, linking his sense of wonder to places that are meaningful to them.

Manaan: And here’s a deeper one: How do you think curiosity and wonder are connected? How do they help you appreciate life’s surprises? It’s a wonderful way to explore the interplay between these two values—how curiosity opens the door and wonder fills us with awe.

Mahi: I love that. Let’s end with this: Why do you think Leo said that wonder is what gives life its magic? How can you find magic in everyday things? It’s such a beautiful way to encourage children—and adults—to find wonder even in the simplest moments, like the way sunlight streams through a window or the sound of raindrops on the roof.

Manaan: That’s perfect, Mahi. Wonder invites us to see the extraordinary in the ordinary. These questions help us connect to that sense of magic and share it with those we love.

Section 8: Movie & Novel Character Spotlight

Mahi: Let’s dive into some characters who live with wonder! One of my all-time favorites is WALL-E from the movie WALL-E. Despite being a robot, he has this incredible, childlike wonder for everything he discovers, from a lightbulb to a little plant. His fascination reminds us that even the smallest things can be extraordinary if we take the time to notice them.

Manaan: WALL-E is a perfect example, Mahi. He shows us how wonder can transform even a post-apocalyptic world into a place of beauty and hope. For me, another character who embodies wonder is Amélie from the movie Amélie. Living in the bustling streets of Paris, she finds magic in the tiniest details of life—helping others, noticing a crack in the pavement, or marveling at the smoothness of skipping stones. Her sense of wonder makes the ordinary extraordinary.

Mahi: Absolutely! And I’d like to add Anne Shirley from Anne of Green Gables. Anne sees the world through a lens of unending wonder. A tree isn’t just a tree—it’s the “White Way of Delight.” A pond becomes the “Lake of Shining Waters.” She teaches us that naming beauty and noticing details helps us hold on to that magical feeling of wonder.

Manaan: That’s such a good one, Mahi. Another character that comes to mind is Bilbo Baggins from The Hobbit. At the start, Bilbo’s life is simple, but as he embarks on his journey, he discovers awe in places he never imagined—towering mountains, mysterious forests, and even the courage within himself. His story reminds us that wonder often lies just outside our comfort zones.

Mahi: I love that. And let’s not forget Elsa from Frozen. Her wonder at her own powers and the beauty of her icy creations mirrors how we might feel when we uncover something incredible about ourselves. She helps us see that wonder can be as much about self-discovery as it is about the outside world.

Manaan: These characters—WALL-E, Amélie, Anne, Bilbo, and Elsa—all remind us that wonder isn’t confined to extraordinary moments. It’s in how we choose to see the world, whether it’s noticing the sparkle of snowflakes or finding a new side of ourselves.

Section 9: Country Spotlight: Where the Value Shines

Mahi: For our country spotlight, let’s visit Norway—a land of breathtaking natural beauty and a culture that truly embraces wonder. From the majestic fjords carved by glaciers to the towering mountains that seem to touch the clouds, Norway is a place where awe comes naturally.

Manaan: Absolutely. Norway’s landscapes alone are a masterclass in wonder. Picture standing at the edge of Geirangerfjord, gazing at its deep, mirror-like waters surrounded by cascading waterfalls. Or hiking up to Preikestolen, the famous Pulpit Rock, where you feel like you’re standing at the edge of the world. These experiences are unforgettable—they leave you feeling small in the best possible way.

Mahi: And then there’s the Northern Lights, one of the most spectacular displays of natural wonder on Earth. Watching the Aurora Borealis dance across the Arctic sky is like witnessing magic come to life. It’s no wonder Norway has become synonymous with wonder itself.

Manaan: What’s truly special about Norway is how the culture celebrates this connection to nature. The Norwegian concept of friluftsliv, or “open-air living,” isn’t just a phrase—it’s a way of life. It’s about immersing yourself in the outdoors, whether it’s a peaceful forest walk, a cross-country ski trek, or simply sitting by a quiet fjord and taking it all in.

Mahi: And the wonder doesn’t stop there. Norway is home to other awe-inspiring experiences, like the Midnight Sun in the far north, where the sun doesn’t set for weeks during summer. Or the Sognefjord, the longest and deepest fjord in Norway, where tiny villages nestle against dramatic cliffs.

Manaan: Let’s not forget the Sami culture in northern Norway. Their deep respect for nature, their traditions of reindeer herding, and their connection to the Arctic landscape are steeped in wonder. It’s a reminder of how humans can live in harmony with the natural world.

Mahi: Norway inspires us to slow down, connect with the earth, and let its wonders fill our hearts. Whether it’s the glow of the Northern Lights, the grandeur of the fjords, or the quiet magic of a snowy forest, this country shows us that wonder is all around—if we only take the time to look. Let’s take a page from Norway’s book and let the beauty of the world guide us!

10. Introduction to the New Value and Guessing Game (2-3 mins)

Mahi: Next episode, we’ll be exploring the value of Strength. And, of course, we have another guessing game! Here’s your hint: our next animal is known for its resilience and calm strength.

Manaan: Intriguing! I can’t wait to see what guesses we get. I’m already picturing an animal with a steady presence, maybe something you wouldn’t expect.

Mahi: Send in your guesses, everyone, and let us know why you think your animal embodies the value of strength!

11. Closing with an Evocative Quote (1-2 mins)

Mahi: Let’s close with a beautiful quote about wonder from Mary Oliver: “Instructions for living a life: Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it.” I think that captures today’s lesson perfectly.

Manaan: Absolutely. Wonder is about paying attention and letting the beauty around us fill our hearts. Let’s all keep that sense of wonder alive every day.

Mahi: Thank you for joining us on Sunny’s journey, everyone! Until next time, stay curious, find wonder, and let the world amaze you. Goodbye!

Manaan: Goodbye, and keep wondering!