Poet Maya C. Popa on How Wonder Can Change Your Life

Evelyn Reed · 2026-11-07

Ever notice how a single line of poetry can stop you in your tracks? It might make you pause, breathe, and see the world differently. That's the power of wonder—and it's something we could all use a little more of. I recently came across an interview with poet Maya C. Popa that explored this very idea. Her insights on attention, uncertainty, and curiosity got me thinking about how we can bring more wonder into our daily lives. ### The Art of Paying Attention Popa believes that wonder starts with attention. In a world full of distractions, truly paying attention is a radical act. "Attention is the beginning of devotion," she says, quoting the poet Mary Oliver. It's about being fully present with whatever is in front of you—a conversation, a task, or even a fleeting moment of beauty. But let's be real: our phones buzz, emails pile up, and our minds wander. How often do we really give our full attention to anything? Popa suggests that poetry trains us to slow down and notice the details. A poem can't be rushed; it demands that we sit with it, unravel its layers, and let it speak to us. That same practice can be applied to life. Try it: the next time you're eating lunch, put your phone away and really taste your food. Or take a walk and notice the colors, sounds, and smells around you. You might be surprised by what you've been missing. ### Embracing Uncertainty Wonder also requires a comfort with uncertainty. Popa points out that poems often leave things unresolved—and that's okay. In fact, it's where the magic happens. "Uncertainty is the space where curiosity lives," she says. When we don't have all the answers, we're more open to exploring, questioning, and discovering. In our fast-paced world, we're conditioned to seek certainty. We want clear plans, definite answers, and guaranteed outcomes. But life is messy and unpredictable. What if we leaned into that instead of fighting it? Popa suggests that by embracing uncertainty, we become more curious and less rigid. We start asking better questions and stay open to new possibilities. That's where wonder thrives. > "Wonder is not about having all the answers; it's about being okay with not having them and enjoying the journey anyway." — Maya C. Popa ### Cultivating Curiosity in Daily Life So how do we cultivate wonder in our everyday routines? Popa offers a few simple practices: - **Start a gratitude journal:** Write down three things you're curious about or that sparked wonder each day. It could be a question, a moment, or something you noticed. - **Read poetry:** Even just a few lines a day can shift your perspective. Don't overthink it—just let the words wash over you. - **Ask more questions:** Instead of jumping to conclusions, pause and ask, "What else could be true here?" - **Spend time in nature:** Nature is full of wonder if you pay attention. Watch a sunset, listen to birds, or feel the grass under your feet. These small habits can rewire your brain to notice the extraordinary in the ordinary. ### The Wonder of Not Knowing One of the most freeing things Popa said was that wonder doesn't require expertise. You don't need to be a poet or a philosopher to experience it. You just need to be willing to be a beginner—to approach life with fresh eyes and an open heart. That's something we can all do, no matter our age or background. So the next time you feel stuck or overwhelmed, try stepping back and asking, "What's here that I haven't noticed?" You might just find a moment of wonder waiting for you. And that, as Popa reminds us, is where the real magic begins.