Take an Awe-Walk

FOR GREATER HOPE & STAMINA

Walking is not just a physical exercise… it’s an opportunity to connect with the world around you and experience moments of awe and wonder – moments that science now shows can transform both your physical and mental well-being.

As Dr. Dacher Keltner, a psychologist at UC Berkeley, explains, “Awe is the feeling of being in the presence of something vast that transcends your understanding of the world.” While this might sound grand, the beautiful truth is that awe is actually woven into the fabric of our everyday lives.

When you walk, try paying attention to the details, looking at everything with childlike eyes. This isn’t just poetic advice – it’s backed by science. Research shows that experiencing awe can calm our nervous system, trigger the release of oxytocin (the “love” hormone), and even quiet that critical inner voice we all sometimes hear.

A group of researchers from the University of California San Francisco found that consciously seeking out awe-inspiring moments during walks can amplify the mental health benefits of this seemingly ordinary activity. The awe walkers reported feeling happier, less upset, and more socially connected than the control group. Even more intriguing, the selfies taken by the awe walkers showed their faces shrinking in relation to the awe-inspiring scenery around them, suggesting that awe walks can create a powerful sense of perspective.

But here’s what’s really fascinating: awe isn’t just found in grand vistas or dramatic sunsets. It can be discovered in the simple acts of kindness you witness along your walk – perhaps a neighbor helping someone carry groceries, or a child sharing their toy in the park. Dr. Keltner’s research shows that witnessing these moments of “moral beauty” is one of the most reliable ways to experience awe.

Nature is filled with marvelous things waiting to be discovered, from the intricate pattern of leaves to the way clouds paint stories across the sky. Take a step outside and let awe be your guide.

Try this on your next walk:

• Remind yourself that love is all around you by embarking on a heart-shaped nature scavenger hunt. Look for natural heart shapes in rocks, plants, trees, and clouds. Being on the lookout turns life into a scavenger hunt and keeps you present, not missing out on the beauty surrounding you.

• Pay attention to the small acts of kindness you witness along your route. These moments of “moral beauty” can be just as awe-inspiring as a magnificent sunset.

• Notice how your breathing naturally deepens and your heart rate slows as you take in the wonder around you – that’s awe working its magic on your nervous system!

• Take pictures and share your hearts on the Facebook group! I’d love to see what moments of awe you discover on your walks.

Let awe be your guide!