“The First Time Again: Reclaiming Wonder in a World of Routine”

“The First Time Again: Reclaiming Wonder in a World of Routine”

There dawns a season in every thoughtful life when existence begins to feel rehearsed — when the world loses its shimmer of surprise, and the days unfold like well-worn pages of an oft-read book. The morning tea tastes the same, the news repeats its grief, and even joy wears the attire of habit. It is then that the soul whispers a sacred suggestion: try something for the first time again.

Trying something for the first time is not merely an act of novelty — it is an awakening. It reminds us that beneath the routine lies an infinite field of possibilities. Whether it is learning a new instrument, walking barefoot on wet grass, or tasting a cuisine from a faraway land — every ‘first’ moment rekindles the childlike curiosity that consumerism and conformity so often numb.

In the changing world scenario, where artificial intelligence writes poetry, drones deliver groceries, and humans scroll endlessly through curated realities, the hunger for authenticity has intensified. People are no longer seeking more possessions; they are seeking new sensations. A recent marketing survey revealed that a majority of millennials and Gen Z consumers prefer spending on experiences over material goods. The thrill of paragliding, the silence of a meditation retreat, or the humility of volunteering for the needy — these “firsts” shape memory far deeper than a purchased item ever can.

From a psychological perspective, novelty stimulates dopamine — the brain’s messenger of motivation and happiness. No wonder that even in old age, learning something new keeps the mind youthful. A retired teacher picking up painting, a homemaker learning digital art, or a corporate executive tending to bonsai — each of them is participating in the ancient art of self-renewal.

Philosophically, to try something new is to defy the inertia of existence. The Buddha left his palace for the first time to see suffering — and that single act altered humanity’s spiritual map. Columbus set sail for unknown shores; Einstein dared to think of light not as a wave but a particle. Every first step is a rebellion against fear and familiarity — and thus, an affirmation of life itself.

But there’s another layer — the human need for connection. In today’s fragmented digital society, trying something new together can mend distances. Imagine families cooking together, neighbours planting trees, or friends travelling to a village to teach children. In those shared firsts, one rediscovers not only oneself but also the collective heartbeat of humanity.

Our consumption habits too are shifting from ownership to experience, from luxury to sustainability. Trying something new can mean choosing less — walking instead of driving, reading poetry instead of watching reels, or growing vegetables instead of ordering fast food. These small acts of first-time courage are what may save our planet from exhaustion.

As I look ahead, I wish to try silence — not as escape, but as understanding. I wish to try forgiving more easily, listening more patiently, and believing more firmly in the kindness that still exists in the world. Every first time need not be an adventure in geography; sometimes, it’s an exploration of the heart.

And so, to those who feel that their days have lost colour — step out of your comfort, taste the rain, plant a seed, learn a language, or simply look at the stars with awe once more. The world is still full of “firsts” waiting for you to notice.

Let me begin where endings fade,
With trembling hands, I seek the blade
Of dawn that cuts through night’s cocoon,
To carve my soul a fresher tune.

Let me unlearn what years confined,
And trace new maps within my mind,
For every ‘first’ — a prayer begun,
A journey whispered to the sun.

So here I stand, both old and new,
The past behind, the sky in view,
If life is brief — then let it be,
A thousand firsts that set me free.