5 natural wonders of the world

Growing up, I always fancied the ‘Seven wonders of the world’. It instilled a sense of awe, amazement and excitement that such magnificent structures adorn our planet. And before I even knew how to get there or what significance they hold, I was excited by the thought that wonders of the world exist. There is something wondrous and beautiful –either created naturally or crafted by skillful hands of people, making it famous around the world. To be honest, I was disappointed when they started creating a new list under the title ‘New seven wonders of the world’ because for me the list was permanent and these wonders were meant to be in it forever. I did not comprehend the need to play around with them and change the contents due to changing times. But that is the way things work. We need to move ahead with time, appreciating the new entrants, while honoring the old ones.

  Well, this post is not to talk about the wonders of the world that are created to honor architecture, natural beauty, heritage and purpose. It is to honor the natural show created by ‘nature’. I was tempted to think about natural wonders through my eyes. If given a chance to frame a list of natural wonders, what will I pick? The word ‘natural’ has a strong meaning here. I want to focus on wonders exhibited by Mother Nature. These are not enlisted to celebrate skills of man-made wonders but designed to appreciate nature at its best. I always believe natural beauty is several steps beyond our comprehension. We can create, invent, discover, upgrade, update and do everything unimaginable with passing years, but we cannot imitate the role of ‘nature’. We cannot create anything remotely close to the wonders of nature that turns a magic wand, every now and then.

  Blame it on my dreamy eyes or nature-kissed soul, I am drawn to natural beauty instantly. I am guilty of finding joy in natural wonders because they are simply beyond words. When I find myself admiring pattern of clouds or staring at colors of sunset, I realize I am smitten once again. No wonder my memory card is loaded with these pictures, while holding none of mine. Connecting with nature is said to be the best form of relaxation and meditation, healing uneasy thoughts and erasing away unnecessary bitterness. And whether or not any statistical research can prove it, my husband can definitely vouch for it. To his amazement as soon as nature draws me to stop talking and start admiring, he is surprised by the effect. I am sure he must be secretly thanking nature and its picturesque effects for keeping me silent a bit longer (every husband’s dream, after all!)

  These natural wonders are usual things that occur in nature but leave me mesmerized. You can state their occurrence, cause, and reason but there is something unexplainable that makes it wonderful. Though Science can elaborate its phenomenon perfectly, it is good to look at it with surprised eyes. Not everything needs to be explained, analyzed and understood. Some things should be left as ‘wonders’.

   I can go on and on under the pretense of introducing this topic, but I must get to the list sooner. Here are the list of natural wonders as perceived through my eyes. Do share your version and let us match to see how well we match!

1.       Pattern of clouds

  I am always amazed by the diverse pattern of clouds created in the sky. The more often I look, the more I realize there is something interesting about it. From low hanging clouds to dense thick blanket, from tiny circular cotton balls to colorful strands, there are so many patterns- just waiting to be adored and admired. Look at any time of the day and there is some distinct pattern and color enjoying its stay in the sky. Call it a desperate need to seek validation (guilty as charged), when I googled to check if there are others who admire clouds too, I came across the ‘Cloud appreciation society’. There is an entire club of people who enjoy clouds and share photographs of these wonderful members of the sky.

  Why and how clouds are formed is not the wonder because we all know it, but why do they align in a specific pattern and come across as distinct shapes is the wonder that makes me stare at it a little longer.

2.       Shape of the moon

  Let us not involve lunar cycle and make this technical and boring, but rather look at moon with romantic eyes and see if it appears as a wonder. To me the shape of moon seems an excellent phenomenon of beauty. From a thin C-shaped curve to full bright circle, moon shape and moonlight are wonders in their own regard.

3.       Shades of the ocean

  I feel guilty of describing an ocean, sea or beach using just three colors- green, blue and grey, while being awestruck by its unique shade card. As water adorns different shades at different times and at different spots from the shore to the horizon, it is nothing short of a natural wonder. Though there is valid explanation of reflection and sea-bed coloring the water, it is mesmerizing how these shades change quite often. The beauty that nothing is the same and you are greeted with a natural color every visit adds magic to the experience.

4.       Palette of leaves

  Thanks to the current season of fall, this phenomenon is more relevant and wonderful right now. We are tuned to look at green leaves and there is nothing unusual about it, but what surprises me is the changing colors from green to yellow, orange and red. Different trees wear different shades of green too. No two trees may have the exact same green shade, portraying its unity in diversity.  

5.       Sunset

  Saving the best for the last. Propose as many theories of setting sun or explain it through simple physics, yet there is something mystical about sunset. It manages to catch attention at that very moment. No wonder people travel to special sunset spots around the globe to make the most of the opportunity. More than sunrise, I am attracted towards the aura of a setting sun (though I am a morning person!). It appears as a formal declaration, announcing the end of a day, while leading towards a calm night.  What makes me wonder is the style adopted by this departing member. It makes sure to spread its royalty and force everyone to take notice. With mesmerizing shades and dramatic effects in the sky- it bids a good-bye, while asking (or rather demanding) everyone to pay attention. To me sunset appears as a well-coordinated show set in the stage of sky. Preparation lasts for few minutes, while spreading the right shade and pattern, followed by the final performance of setting sun, only to be wrapped by immense darkness.

  This concludes five natural wonders as seen through my lens. What wonders form your list?

  Do you seek wonderment in the fact that nature presents a show here and there or stick to the scientific explanation? If you pick the first option – I will be happy to find people like me. And if you pick the latter- well, more scope for posts, while I try my best to transform your opinion!