The Science of Awe: How It Transforms Your Mind and Body
Einstein once said, “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.”
Einstein understood the power of awe.
Experiencing awe in your everyday life allows you to remember you are part of something bigger, much bigger than the small constructs our egoic mind can often create for us.
Science also shows that this exquisite emotion can quiet your inner critic, reduce stress and loneliness, and bring an expanded sense of time, perspective, and oneness.
At one of my darkest times, I started to take awe walks around my disheveled neighborhood in Koreatown, Los Angeles. I’d notice the tiniest little miracles like a stunning rosebud growing out of an abandoned garden in front of a deteriorating home, the slight sideways smile from a passing stranger, a woman hurrying her children off to school as the kids stumbled behind her - backpacks too big for their frames - in their own little wonder bubbles; slowing her down just enough to notice the humor and awe in at all as well.
These walks really helped me appreciate life for all that it was and notice the little things when things felt heavy and overwhelming. Soon, it became a frame of mind and I found myself savoring every moment of this existence from fresh food on my plate, to warm showers, and soft sheets. It was all a miracle.
Fast forward to the shifts I made in my life since rediscovering my sense of wonder and awe and now, when I travel to places with innate beauty like San Diego’s gorgeous coastline or hikes in the redwoods I am even more in disbelief in gratitude.
Then the birth of my daughter happened this past February, and I was so filled with awe that I thought my heart might just burst and my body would dissolve in the light of it all. It was one of the most beautiful and breathtaking moments I had encountered, and I had designed it that way with a home birth, held in the arms of my partner Isaiah, as we saw our daughter through to the otherside.
That being said, you can CREATE awe in your own life. Whether it be a morning walk or a stunning vista or the birth of your first child. Awe finds us when we’re looking for it.
Science shows we experience awe across cultures all over the world in the “eight wonders of life.”
They are; the moral beauty of others, collective movement, nature, visual design, music, spirituality, big ideas, and encountering the beginning and end of life. The last being those moments when the door is open to the world beyond us.
So how can you experience more of this child-like wonder in your own life?
Exercise: The Awe Walk
The "Awe Walk" is a mindful walk where your primary aim is to experience awe, that feeling of being in the presence of something vast that transcends your understanding of the world.
Choose a Natural Setting: This could be a local park, a nature trail, a peaceful garden, or even your backyard. Anywhere that you feel a connection to the natural world will work.
Leave Your Distractions Behind: Try to disconnect from your phone or any other distractions. This is a time to be fully present, so set aside any thoughts about your to-do list or concerns about the future.
Begin Your Walk: Start walking slowly, taking the time to look around you. Notice the colors, textures, and patterns in nature. Pay attention to the way the light filters through the trees, the variety of plants and flowers, the intricacies of a leaf, or the sprawling expanse of the sky.
Engage Your Senses: Listen to the rustle of leaves and the chirping of birds. Smell the freshness of the grass or the aroma of blooming flowers. Feel the wind on your skin or the ground beneath your feet.
Reflect on the Vastness and Beauty:
Consider the grandeur of what you're witnessing. Reflect on the fact that the natural processes and elements that shaped what you see have been occurring for billions of years and will continue long after we're gone.
Write & Reflect:
At the end of your walk, take a moment to sit and write down what you observed and how it made you feel in a journal. This practice will help anchor your experiences and cultivate a deeper appreciation for your own capacity to inspire awe in everyday life.
Remember, the goal is not to cover a certain distance or reach a destination but to immerse yourself in the experience and allow yourself to be fully present with the beauty and wonder of the world around you.
In summary, cultivating awe in your own life leads to increased mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. It allows us to see beyond ourselves and connect with the world in meaningful ways. So, let's commit to seeking out awe-inspiring moments and appreciating the wonder and mystery that life has to offer.
Thank you for investing in yourself and being a part of this journey towards greater mental fitness. Remember, the small steps we take each day can lead to significant shifts over time. Join us in the Self by Design Community as we continue to explore ways to enhance our lives through mindfulness, curiosity, and awe.
P.S. Ready to expand your mind alongside other like-minded, growth-oriented individuals? Join our Self by Design Community Membership to access our ever-growing collection of mind-training videos, powerful masterclasses, revitalizing recorded meditations and so much more!
To creating lives of awe.
Much love,
Nicole
