What Wonder Looks Like

I’m always excited when ALTAR gets the chance to host a truly one-of-a-kind event. This April, we had the privilege of welcoming Laura Munson–New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author–into our sacred space for The Wild Why Workshop.

Laura led this workshop as a chance for a small group of us to find our way back to something innate in all of us, but that we often lose along the way: our wonder.

Laura Munson and her book, "The Wild Why"

What Is Wonder?

According to Laura in her book The Wild Why, “Wonder is curiosity and awe put together. We are born with our wonder intact.Why? What? How? Wow. Look at that rainbow!

Wonder is what we need to survive and thrive, not just as individuals but also as a civilization. It is what is celebrated in young children, until it isn’t.”

“Wonder is ours by birthright and lifeforce, and we need to find our way back to it, especially in this worried world. Writing in small, safe groups is the best tool I know to do exactly that, no matter where you are in relationship with your self-expression. You do not in any way need to be a writer to get so much out of this workshop. Just a seeker who longs for deep self-connection in community.” - Laura Munson

Experiencing Wonder in Real Time

One of the most fascinating parts of this workshop was the fact that not a single one of us walked in feeling like a writer, or with any writing aspirations. By the end of the day, however, each of us felt like we could—and would—write more often. We wanted to explore journaling, write more poetry, or even try our hand at authoring our own book.

The power behind this transformation really lies in all the magical, meaningful elements of these small-group events at ALTAR. Between Laura’s gentle, guiding presence and the relaxing, airy atmosphere of our sacred space, we all felt safe.

This group of women were able to shed any preconceived notions we walked in with so we could show up with our vulnerable, true selves. As the morning unfolded, we each began to ask more questions, share more stories, and validate one-another’s experiences.

This specific type of alchemy is my favorite part of hosting these signature events at ALTAR. Simply put, when women feel comfortable to show up authentically, we all feel it.

We feel the spark in the room. The transformation happening in our souls.

By the end of the day, we all felt so bonded to one another through this powerful, shared experience. We even opted to all share contact info to keep up!

Thoughts from Laura Munson

“I loved our time together a week ago today! It completed a highly emotional family trip with some high exposure speaking events... so it was just so truly perfect to fold into the sacred space that is ALTAR, have its incredible founder sit in the circle with us, and wonder together.” – Laura via Email, April 18^th, 2026.

Want to explore your own Wonder?

For anyone who joined us for the Workshop or anyone reading this now who wishes they could have attended, I encourage you to read Laura’s book The Wild Why and consider exploring her acclaimed Haven Writing Retreats in Montana. I can say, firsthand, that Laura is an incredible guide to exploring yourself more deeply through writing in all its forms.

What's Next at ALTAR

If you’d like to see everything coming up at ALTAR, you can visit our event page here. If you’d like to host your own event in our space—from milestone celebrations to corporate retreats—you can send us an inquiry form here.