Delight in Wonderment: A Journey of Healing Through Imagination

As we navigate the unpredictable terrain of life, we often find ourselves caught in the web of fear and anxiety, especially when faced with the unknown. These emotions, though natural, can weigh us down, causing havoc within our hearts and minds. But what if, just for a moment, we could step outside the confines of these feelings? What if we could tap into the boundless potential of our imagination to bring forth a sense of peace, wonder, and healing?

Imagine this: a cherished memory, a precious moment captured in time, whether it be through the lens of a camera or the soft focus of your mind’s eye. Maybe it’s a photograph of a loved one, a moment of laughter shared, or a place where you felt the warmth of pure joy. Or perhaps, it’s a vision of the future, one filled with hope and light. What if you could allow yourself to return to these moments or project yourself into new ones, even if only in your imagination?

The mind is a powerful tool. It has the ability to transport us to places of comfort and joy, even when reality feels heavy and uncertain. By delighting in wonderment—by intentionally choosing to focus on goodness—we can begin to recondition our minds, replacing old habits of fear with new habits of hope.

Consider this: instead of allowing the unknown to fill you with dread, what if you could imagine your loved one, who has transitioned, frolicking in a heavenly place? Perhaps they have transformed into a beautiful butterfly, fluttering peacefully by your side. Or maybe their angelic spirit is watching over you, a quiet presence that brings you comfort. Though we may not have concrete evidence of what lies beyond, we can use our imagination to create a narrative that brings us peace.

Now, I’m not suggesting that we live in a world of make-believe. This isn’t about escaping reality but rather about finding moments of relief and solace. As an end-of-life coach, I advocate for emotional equity, a state where we feel good within ourselves. Recovery, after all, is about moving forward, about not being trapped in a cycle of despair and fear.

One of the key principles I share, which is fundamental to this journey, is the idea that goodness and grief cannot occupy the same space. Just as faith and fear cannot coexist, when we choose to focus on goodness, we can displace the weight of grief. It comes down to a matter of choice—what space do you want to occupy? When you’re mindful of this, you can make a conscious decision to replace feelings of grief with thoughts of goodness. Similarly, when fear tries to creep in, let faith—trust in the goodness of the unknown—take its place.

This mindful practice allows you to choose joy, happiness, and light over feelings of heaviness and despair. And as you practice this each day, you begin to condition yourself. Over time, this new habit becomes a part of your natural response, a default mode where your mind and spirit automatically seek the good in every moment.

By practicing the art of delighting in wonderment, we can begin to shift our perspective. We can allow ourselves to feel light and love, not just for those who have passed, but for ourselves. Because we are still here, in the land of the living, and our lives deserve to be filled with as much goodness as possible.

So, I invite you to take a moment. Close your eyes, and with the eye of your imagination, bring forth an image that fills your heart with joy. Let this image take root in your mind, and notice how your body responds. Feel the tension ease, the heaviness lift, even if only slightly. This is the beginning of recovery—a gentle reconditioning of the mind and spirit.

Remember, these practices are not about denying reality but about enhancing it. They are tools that have helped many find peace in the midst of turmoil, and my hope is that they can do the same for you. As we journey through the mysteries of life, let’s choose to delight in wonderment, to seek out the good, and to allow that goodness to guide us through.

In light and love,

Patricia Freudenberg  

Certified End-of-Life Coach  

Catalyst for Emotional Equity

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