What Poetry Teaches Us About Wonder: A Poet's Secret to Curiosity

Evelyn Reed · 2026-11-07

Have you ever noticed how a single poem can stop you in your tracks? It's not just the words—it's the way they invite you to slow down and pay attention. That's the kind of wonder poet Maya C. Popa explores in her work and in conversation. I recently had the chance to sit down with her (metaphorically) to talk about attention, uncertainty, and the art of staying curious. What she shared might just change the way you approach your own mindfulness practice. ### The Power of Paying Attention Maya believes that poetry is, at its core, an exercise in attention. "When you read a poem, you can't skim it," she says. "You have to sit with it, let it unfold line by line." That's a radical idea in our scroll-happy world. But it's also a gentle reminder: wonder doesn't come from big revelations—it comes from noticing the small things. The way light falls on a kitchen counter. The rhythm of your own breath. The pause between thoughts. - **Slow down:** Give yourself permission to read a poem (or a moment) without rushing. - **Notice the ordinary:** Wonder often hides in plain sight—a leaf, a laugh, a line break. - **Ask questions:** Curiosity isn't about having answers; it's about staying open. ### Embracing Uncertainty One of the most freeing things Maya said was that uncertainty isn't a problem to solve—it's a space to inhabit. "Poetry doesn't tie things up in a bow," she explained. "It leaves room for you to wonder." That's a powerful lesson for anyone practicing mindful living. We're so conditioned to seek certainty, to control outcomes. But what if we leaned into the not-knowing? What if we let curiosity be our guide instead of fear? > "Wonder is not about having the right answer; it's about staying in the question." — Maya C. Popa That quote has been rattling around in my head for days. It's a reminder that mindfulness isn't about achieving a perfect state of calm—it's about being present with whatever is, including the messy, unresolved stuff. ### The Art of Remaining Curious So how do we cultivate that kind of curiosity in daily life? Maya suggests starting small. "Pay attention to what you're drawn to," she says. "Follow the thread." Maybe it's a line from a poem that sticks with you. Maybe it's a question you can't shake. Instead of dismissing it, lean in. Let it lead you somewhere unexpected. Here's a simple practice: pick a poem—any poem—and read it slowly, out loud if you can. Notice where your mind wanders. Notice what you feel. Then, without judgment, bring your attention back to the words. That's mindfulness in action. And it's available to you anytime, anywhere. ### Bringing Wonder into Your Day You don't have to be a poet to live with wonder. You just have to be willing to pause. To look again. To ask, "What else is here?" Whether you're washing dishes, walking your dog, or sitting in traffic, there's always more to notice. And in that noticing, we find a deeper connection to ourselves and the world around us. So the next time you feel stuck or overwhelmed, try a little poetry. Not to escape, but to return. To wonder. To remember that uncertainty isn't the enemy—it's an invitation.