The Surprising Lesson Poetry Teaches Us About Wonder

Emily Johnson · 2026-11-07

When was the last time you truly paid attention? Not the kind where you're half-scrolling, half-listening. I mean the kind where the world slows down and you notice the small things—the way light falls on a countertop, the rhythm of a friend's voice. Poet Maya C. Popa believes poetry can teach us that kind of attention. And in doing so, it opens a door to wonder. I recently came across an interview with Popa where she talked about attention, uncertainty, and the art of remaining curious. Her words stuck with me, and I think they'll resonate with you too—especially if you're someone who cares about mindful living. ### The Power of Paying Attention Popa suggests that poetry is, at its core, an act of attention. It's about noticing what's there without immediately labeling or judging it. That's a practice many of us could use more of. Think about it: how often do you rush through your day, barely registering the world around you? Poetry asks us to stop. To look closer. To listen. And here's the thing—you don't have to be a poet to benefit from this. You can bring that same quality of attention to your morning coffee, your commute, or a conversation with a loved one. It's mindfulness in action. ### Embracing Uncertainty One of the most refreshing things Popa discusses is the value of uncertainty. In a culture that prizes answers and certainty, poetry reminds us that not knowing is okay. In fact, it can be fertile ground for curiosity and wonder. > "Wonder is not about having all the answers; it's about staying open to the questions." — Maya C. Popa That quote hit me hard. How often do we rush to resolve ambiguity, to make things neat and tidy? Poetry invites us to sit with the messiness, to let things be unresolved. And in that space, wonder grows. ### Cultivating Curiosity in Daily Life So how can we bring this poetic sensibility into our everyday lives? Here are a few simple practices: - **Pause and notice**: Take a few minutes each day to simply observe. What do you see, hear, feel? Don't analyze—just notice. - **Ask open-ended questions**: Instead of seeking quick answers, try asking questions that begin with "I wonder..." or "What if..." - **Read a poem**: You don't have to understand it fully. Just let the words wash over you and see what sticks. - **Embrace not knowing**: When you catch yourself needing certainty, take a breath and remind yourself that it's okay to not have all the answers. ### The Art of Remaining Curious Popa's interview is a gentle reminder that wonder isn't something reserved for children or mystics. It's available to all of us, right here, right now. All it takes is a willingness to slow down, pay attention, and stay curious. As mindful living professionals, you know the importance of presence. Poetry offers a unique doorway into that presence—a way to engage with the world that's both playful and profound. So the next time you feel stuck in routine, try picking up a poem. Or simply look out your window and really see what's there. You might be surprised by what you find. --- *Emily Johnson is a mindfulness and well-being coach and a contributor to Ohmag UK.*