Have you ever looked at a peach, a soaring bird, or even your own hand and thought: How did all this come to be? Why is nature so amazingly brilliant, intricate, and beautiful?
Most of us rush through life, grabbing fruit at breakfast, walking under trees, or hearing birds sing on the way to school or work—and rarely stop to marvel. But what if, just for a moment, you paused to truly notice? Could you see the fingerprint of wisdom in every detail?
Modern science and psychology have uncovered something amazing: taking time to observe nature not only lifts your mood, but can spark awe and sharpen the mind. Studies from the University of California, Berkeley suggest that awe—as in, those “whoa!” moments when you witness a sunset or an animal’s clever trick—makes people more generous, calm, and able to see the bigger picture in their lives.
But guess what? Jewish teachings have been encouraging us to notice this wisdom for thousands of years! In Torah, the book of Bereishit describes a world built on design and intention. Even the way a peach grows—a sweet fruit wrapped around a tough pit—is evidence of deep design. As one Torah Live story explains, a tree can’t move but wraps its seeds inside a delicious package (fruit!) that tempts humans or animals to help spread these seeds far and wide. Genius, right? And it’s everywhere in creation!
The wisdom of King David in Psalms—“How great are Your works, Hashem!”—isn’t just poetic. It’s an invitation to see the wonder that science now proves is mentally and emotionally healthy. When we appreciate nature, both our tradition and top psychologists say we expand our mind and our gratitude.
Here’s a true story: a young boy, Josh, always rushed to eat his fruit but forgot to say a blessing. Then, guided by his ever-wise Siddur, he paused to consider all the steps it took for a peach to arrive on his plate—sunshine, rain, a sturdy tree, even the helpful humans and animals who spread seeds. Suddenly, that peach felt almost like a miracle. Taking that pause helped Josh experience gratitude and feel more grounded and connected. Science backs this up—psychologists say gratitude and awe can make us calmer and help us think more clearly.
You don’t need to be a scientist (or a Torah scholar!) to spot this wisdom. Here are three simple ways you can see the wonders around you—starting today:
Every detail in creation encourages us to pause, reflect, and appreciate. The more we look, the more we find—and the more grateful, inspired, and connected we feel. It’s about transforming our daily rush into a journey full of meaning, one marvel at a time.
So next time you grab a peach or stroll past a tree, remember: you’re surrounded by a world full of wonder, designed with wisdom just waiting to be noticed. Will you take the time to see it?
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