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Have you ever watched a glittering rainbow arch across the sky after a rainstorm? Perhaps you’ve stood along the rail at the Grand Canyon and marveled at the landscape below. These experiences can fill the heart with awe — an uplifting feeling of wonder.
Awe is a feeling of being overwhelmed by something larger than the self, Psychology Today explains. People who experience awe have the potential to become kinder and more generous to one another. Fortunately, experiencing this magical feeling is possible through simple acts.
Awe Supports the Body and Soul
Increasing awe has been tied to reducing stress and quieting negative thought patterns. The emotion can also help people see what really matters. It can also help people find a sense of purpose.
Take an Awe Walk
There is a surprisingly simple way anyone can add awe to their life. Psychotherapist Kamalyn Kaur recommends “awe walks” that combine the physical health benefits of walking with the spiritual uplift created when experiencing awe, according to Marie Claire.
“Awe walks are slow, intentional walks where the goal isn’t exercise, getting steps in, or problem-solving — it’s noticing things that feel bigger than you,” Kaur tells Marie Claire.
Short Walks Produce Big Benefits
Awe walks as short as five minutes can be beneficial. Try leaving your phone at home to be more open to the beauty of your surroundings.
“Even small moments of awe and calm accumulate and can be comparable to longer periods of sustained relaxation,” neuroscientist Virginia Sturm of the University of California, San Francisco, tells National Geographic. Research published in the journal Emotion reported the results of Sturm’s 2021 trial of 60 older adults who took weekly 15-minute “awe walks.” The weekly walks were linked to a boost in positive emotions among participants and an accompanying drop in distress over time, compared to a control group.
Small Awesome Moments
Small moments can also be awe-inspiring, according to National Geographic. Reflecting on an act of kindness or looking up at the sky can make a positive difference. You can also listen to moving music that deepens your sense of purpose or slowly read a poem and savor it. All of these acts can help bring this feeling into daily life.
Once people realize how transformative this emotion can be, the options for discovering awe-creating moments throughout the day are endless. And it can all start off with a few minutes of walking in your neighborhood.
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