Wisdom distilled into
quotes for contemplation and question
'Words of Wonder' cards feature a set of quotations from some of the greatest thinkers ever known - and from some maybe not so well known for their thought but who still have something to say. Sources include philosphers, artists, spiritual figures, scientists, sports men and women and writers.
Quotes, like proverbs, can succinctly express, in a sentence or phrase, an important idea or bring a fresh perspective to our thinking. Sometimes, they bring to mind something we already know but was not in our awareness. In such phrases, ideas that encourage wisdom in living can be distilled to be readily available to be called upon.
Words of Wonder gives thoughts expressed in words to wonder about - in two senses of the word; an emotion aroused by something marvellous and a sense of puzzlement or doubt. Some cards may elevate and inspire by giving a new perspective or, just by reminding us of something we already know but have forgotten. Other cards may evoke more uncertainty and are something to think upon.
The quotes that are chosen here, from selections made by psychologists, are those that reflect a philosophy towards life. A number of key themes that both great thinkers and theories from modern psychology suggest are the ingredients for successful and happy living are explored; gratitude and compassion, awareness and living in time present, growing towards maturity, understanding how attitude and expectations shape experience and optimism and hope. Some also may just raise a smile as humour should always play a part.
Important theories that have influenced the selection of the cards have been 'Positive Psychology', 'Mindfulness' and 'Emotional Intelligence'. These theories suggest that it is the cultivation of positive emotions and the ability to understand and regulate negative emotions that can enhance our own well-being and our relationships. Many of the quotations are, of course, much older than these new scientific theories. Maybe this tells us that such sources of wisdom have always been available to us.
The cards are not presented to tell people what to think. They are there to think about - to reflect upon. Some might chime easily with the reader's personal philosphy, others may challenge beliefs. The selection of cards is not fixed and will change as we learn how people engage and respond to the cards. We'd like to hear feedback from how people are using the cards and the experiences you have. Let us know on our Contact us page. We are also developing sets that that address particular themes; Shortly there will be sets on 'mindfulness', 'relationships' and 'parenting'.
The following books may be useful to find out more about Positive Psychology, Mindfulness and Emotional Intelligence.
Authentic Happiness: Using the New Positive Psychology to Realise Your Potential for Lasting Fulfilment. By Martin Seligman (Nicholas Brealy Publishing, 2003)
Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More than IQ. By Daniel Goleman (Bloomsbury, 1996)
Full Catasrophe Living: How to Cope with Stress, Pain and Illness Using Mindfulness Mediation. By Jon Kabat-Zin (Piatkus, 2001)
On our Reflections page, we publish an occasional series of essays about the quotes and the ideas they present.
The Photographs
These images come from all over the world; the Andes, Death Vally, Hawaii, China, Egypt, Spain and the UK. The photographers are Sarah Barnes, Gareth Griffiths, Pete Gaskell, Ciara Killick, Steve Killick,
"As psychologists we realised we knew a lot about how people develop good mental health. But the challenge is the conflicting messages out there; consume more, make more money, beat the opposition. These messages aren’t good. In developing a tool to use in therapy and training we found a solution. A set of quotes and proverbs that inspire, stimulate and challenge; from a variety of sources including ancient wisdom and modern psychology we collected a set of 52 statements that help remind people of what they already know. The secrets of well-being, emotional intelligence and positive psychology are now readily available."
