The Importance of Awe
The first time I remember experiencing awe in nature was as a kid at camp. Camp required a more immersive engagement with nature without other distractions that my typical surroundings did not provide. Since then I have had countless awe encounters, some grand “mountain top” experiences, and many brief, everyday moments, like noticing a blooming flower, an unexpected creature appearance, a sunset, the first scents of spring, and so much more.
Awe tends to feel very peaceful, can inspire us and promote an immense sense of gratitude. It often reminds us that the world is so much bigger than what we’re usually focused on between our ears. We can get so lost in our thoughts, stories we’re creating, the past and future worries. Staying present to the moment, noticing our environment and finding beauty amplifies awe.
Intentionally taking more time for yourself outside can cultivate positive emotions and thinking. Studies have shown that time in nature has a positive impact on wellbeing and often naturally creates feelings of awe. While awe is experienced by all of our senses, it’s important to highlight hearing. Hearing has the strongest effect on our parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). Research has identified three specific sounds that help promote well wing within our PNS - water, birdsong and wind.
The PNS is often referred to as our “rest and digest. It controls our automatic functions like breathing, heart rate and digestion. Our sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is our threat response - fight, flight, or freeze. We don’t need our SNS in the same ways we did centuries ago when our sole purpose was to survive. Of course, our SNS is still very important in alerting us to danger. Unfortunately, it can escalate pretty quickly depending on our responses to events like bad traffic, spilled coffee, crying kiddos and perceived threat.
Nature is an accessible commodity to tap into to help regulate your SNS response and greatly reduce your stress. Incorporating mindfulness with nature exposure will only heighten your experience of awe, as it will help you to slow down and enhance your ability to respond in a way that is aligned with your values. I hope you take a little extra time this Spring to get outside and perhaps start noticing what’s around you through a different lens.
If you have any interest in getting outside with a group of like-minded people, please check out my upcoming events.