Every summer my husband Thom and I rent a house up in the mountains about an hour from our home. We do it mainly to get out of the summer heat of our desert environment. But behind the more obvious reason is that it connects us to feelings of beauty and nature that we can’t get sitting at home in front of the computer in our air-conditioned house. So, when I happened upon an article that offered an even better reason why our yearly sojourns have become so important, I wasn’t surprised. It turns out that being in nature, and finding and experiencing an ongoing sense of awe and wonder, is critical to our feelings of happiness and wellbeing. Oh, and besides that, it also makes us nicer people to be around.
That idea is another one of those concepts that seem logical but doesn’t always fit into a person’s daily actions. Deep down we all know that getting out in nature is important, and yes I’ve written about its benefits several times here on SMART Living. Most of us would agree that when we are outside on a beautiful day and experiencing the beauty around us, things just seem better, brighter.
Of course, at the same time, we also know that our Facebook Timelines, Twitter Feeds, and the nightly news are pumping out a steady diet of horror and mayhem at the same time. So, even if we are tempted to put down our iphones and take a walk, we often find plenty of good excuses to put it off. Mainly we are busy, always busy and just don’t have time. But what is all of that doing to our soul?
But first, let’s get clear what I mean by awe and wonder. Usually, it is the emotional response felt when exposed to natural wonders, panoramic views, spiritual experiences, inspiring music, compelling art, or anything that defies one’s habitual way of thinking. That emotion often triggers feelings of elation, freedom, expansiveness and even transcendence.
Fortunately, I’m not the only one asking questions. Philosophers, writers and now scientists are exploring what the loss of nature and specifically, what the loss of awe and wonder mean for our world today. In 2015, Assistant Professor at UC, Irvine, CA, Paul K. Piff and several colleagues, did a landmark study entitled “Awe, the Small Self, and Prosocial Behaviors.” The background and the results of that study show what experiencing awe can mean to our lives:
- Make us feel like we are part of something bigger than ourselves.
- Make us feel more connected to other people and the world around us.
- Enhance our desire to be helpful and reduces feelings of entitlement.
- Make us feel smaller and less significant in the grand scheme of things.
- Remind us that our lives and our circumstances are tiny in comparison to the magnificence of Universe.
- Shift our self-concept and inspires us to more collaboration and cooperation.
- Make us more “prosocial” and less narcissistic.
- Make us feel more generous and empathetic to others.
- Help us feel we have more time—which enhances wellbeing.
- Reduce emphasis on the desires and concerns of the self.
- Increase our ethical decision-making abilities.
- Deepen our feelings of gratitude and thanksgiving.
Wow! Just knowing that experiencing awe and wonder can have such a profound effect on humans is awe-inspiring. And that’s another part of the definition. Whenever we learn and/or discover new information that pleases us or blows our mind on a deep level—that elicits wonder. Of course, to experience new and inspiring information we have to be open and willing to hear and explore new ideas. And that’s another big reason why feelings of awe and wonder are becoming increasingly rare in our world today.
Think about it. When we are small children, the world is an awe-some and wonder-full place. With so much new input that is unique and unexpected, everywhere we look we find things that delight and thrill us. If you have children or now grandchildren, just watching their expressions as they discover something unexpected, can move us to wonder.
But then as we begin to get older, we overload ourselves on information. We go to school for it, get degrees in specific studies, and then often do our best to keep everything from changing. We read, study or hang out only with people who agree with us and keep building up our sense of what we think we know. Rather than learn something new or challenging, we stay safe and stuck. And then the more we hold on, the more we try to control our lives, our loved ones and the world around us, we cut ourselves off from all the wonder and awe that our souls desperately crave. Piff says that most of us “are generally awe-deprived.” Einstein calls it, “…as good as dead.”
There is a solution, of course. Stay open-minded, seek out new and novel experiences, spend time in the natural world, and travel to new locations. Listen to music, visit art galleries, play with little kids, spend time with furry animals, or talk to people who are different from you. Maybe we just turn up the music and dance? Stop trying to think you will ever be able to understand everything and thereby control it. Forget seeking safety and instead go in search of the miraculous.
After reading through the information I found, I couldn’t help but believe that so much of the division that we are feeling here in the U.S. these days could be solved by a healthy dose of awe and wonder for every citizen. Can you imagine if all of us—adults and children—spent a couple of days at a summer camp in a beautiful and relaxing location instead of watching the political news on television? If more of us started seeing ourselves connected and part of a bigger transcendent reality, is it possible that much of the fear and worry that exists would just melt away? Piff thinks so. And if we learned to play together in nature, would we stop thinking of each other as—us and them?
It seems impossible that such a simple and inexpensive solution might have much of an impact. But we will never know until we try. Perhaps the SMART approach is to experiment on ourselves, and those close to us, by insisting we spend time in nature, walk in the trees, stroll the beach, or stare up at the night sky. Things could change. After all, if not us, who? And as always, we must first be the change we hope to see in the world.
Let’s hear it for awe and wonder!
I wholeheartedly agree with this post and I posted recently about the same exact thing. I believe we are wired to respond to the healing that nature provides. Just sitting on my porch watching the clouds pass overhead, the sunset painting fabulous colors in the sky, listening to the sounds of the cicadas in the evening, studying a budding flower — all of these soothe and nurture my soul. It is wonderful to be able to get away from the city but we can tune in to nature wherever we are.
Hi Lyn! Welcome to SMART Living. And I’m not surprised that you wrote something similar recently because I think this is SUCH an important topic even for those of us who know it. Let’s keep reminding each other over and over to experience awe as much as possible. Thanks for joining the conversation. ~Kathy
“Awe-deprived.” That stopped me in my tracks, Kathy. I often find myself so entrenched in the mundane that inspiration flies to Brazil. And I KNOW how important wonder and awe are! Thankfully, I do get out in nature everyday, as these dogs kinda demand it 🙂 But you’re so right–it pays such dividends.
Thanks for reminding me how important this is!
Hi Susan! Thank you for being so honest about this. I’ll bet if you followed most of us around throughout our days that we would have to admit that most of us miss the awe and wonder going on around us far too much. And yes, I think that makes us “awe-deprived.” You are so right that much of the time you are outdoors with your dogs the opportunity exists. But I just read your current post and you do a lovely job of describing it with friends and family in a church. Does it matter where we find it/ I don’t think so. I think it just matters that we notice it and let it fill us up! ~Kathy
Wow, I truly appreciate this article. I always find ‘wonder’ and ‘awe’ in things or places. Thanks for sharing this, its inspiring.
Hi Thea! Good for you for noticing “awe and wonder” when it shows up. I think the BEST way to do it is to stay mindful don’t you think? Even if the most amazing thing in the world is happening right in front of us, if we don’t pause long enough and are awake and aware long enough, we’ll miss it. Let’s all take the time to see the good today! ~Kathy
It seems that in everyday life we use the terms “awe” and “awesome” for things that are really not so awesome. Indeed, to inspire awe is special and magical and doesn’t really describe a dinner or a TV show!
Hi Michele! So very true. Thank you for making it VERY clear that I wasn’t talking about awesome as something one would routinely see on TV or even and amazing meal. (Although some forms of chocolate come close!) I did think it was interesting in my research though that as long as it was something that REALLY expands a person’s mind to a dimension could be considered to be awe inspiring. I think that because we are all so different our “awe” would be triggered by different things. For example, some people could attend their church of choice and be transported. Another person, not so much. It really depends what allows us to connect with something bigger and beyond who and what we think we are. Buy yeah, I still don’t get that watching television!!! ~Kathy
Yes Kathy, I feel I have learned so much about this topic by living in nature for the past year! Getting far from any city is a reawakening for most of us, and living here permanently is a wonder. I can relate well to your words, “defies one’s habitual way of thinking.” Little did I know that in the past I was so stuck in “city think.” It’s gigantic to observe how cities change us, and then transition to a slower, calmer way of being. Now, only when I get impatient or angry do I realize that I used to be almost always that way. I am filled with gratitude that I can live like this forever!
Hi Laura Lee! Thank you so much for adding your comment to the conversation. I think you offer a perfect example of how city life and suburban life can slowly drain away our experience of nature without us even being aware of it. Is it any wonder that children today don’t feel connected to the planet (and perhaps all life?) Congratulations on finding your “happy place.” May we all do the same. ~Kathy
You know, I never thought about narcissism versus a strong connection with nature before! Do you mind if I use your post as a take-off point for a future post on some of these ideas? I will certainly link back to this post…
I like this a lot Kathy! I am fortunate enough to live in beautiful Portland Oregon where I can view a sense of wonder out my door. What I really enjoy in the sense of ‘sense of wonder’ is my garden. This time of year I find happiness in my vegetable gardens. Even if the plants don’t produce much, if their flowers are beautiful I am happy with them! I find wonder in the production of my produce into food that will be enjoyed all winter. Since my home is small I entertain a lot in the summer where guests can eat outside. Just last night my dinner party extended way beyond the time I thought folks would stay but they wandered the gardens and were enjoying it all I didn’t rush anyone. Sharing my slice of a sense of wonder!
Hi Haralee! Thank you for sharing your little bit of heaven with all of us. I so agree that a garden reminds us in such a visual way of how nature unfolds in the world around us if we just take the time to look. And yes, although it’s nice if we are able to “harvest”. The real gift is witnessing the growth. Enjoy the wonder and awe of the rest of your summer. ~Kathy
Hi Kathy!
I appreciate your articles very much!
I am In a state of life transition and find that getting out in a hiking trail to experience the NOW is vital to mental health. Another way to experience wonder is enjoying the company of a newborn- that is a wonder in and of itself!
Hi Jennifer! Thank you so much for that perfect reminder of spending time with a newborn as a way to connect to the miraculous. I think there are likely far more ways to do it, but I think we’ve gotten out of the habit of looking and seeing it don’t you think? With movies and video games that spend a gazillion dollars on special effects, we have gotten rather jaded into thinking that if it is big, loud and splashy it isn’t that important. But sometimes it is the simple, gentle caress of a loved one that can transport us to another time and place. Magic. Thanks for sharing with us all. ~Kathy
This post speaks to me. It’s a conversation my friend and I often have. We have the privilege of living in northern Alberta, surrounded by Nature. We are convinced that we have a different “set point” than those surrounded by concrete and people. I often bow down to Nature, even at its harshest and cruelest. The rhythms of Nature/seasons are humbling.
Hi Mona! Yes, you are very fortunate to live in a beautiful place with nature so close at hand. And maybe even in it’s most harshest and cruel times it is a reminder that “we are not in charge” and that there is something so much bigger than us in which we live, move and have our being. But let’s never forget that the mystery of life can be found in other places too. The real challenge is to remember to make it part of our lives each and every day. Thanks for adding a bit of your world to this conversation! ~Kathy
This post is leisure education personified! Well, you know me and my constant sojourn into nature! Just love what Einstein said about being “awe deprived.” so many people are these days. I love when I can show someone Tuolumne Meadows for the first time. Makes my day! I just posted yesterday about how my dad’s influence ensured that we are not awe deprived 🙂 http://secondwindleisure.com/2016/07/28/commemorative-cherry-top/
Hi Terri! Yes to “leisure education personified!” I am sure we would all benefit by more of that and less television (not to mention computer!!!) I’ve never been to Tuolumne Meadows? Maybe in September???? ~Kathy
Bravo! (Although as a trained scientist I believe generally in the value of seeking knowledge and understanding. The problem is with ever thinking that you’ve found it all.)
Some related things: Exposure to sunlight has been found to have some ability to combat depression. So try to get outside every day, even just for half an hour. And if you can’t get to a place with big awe-inspiring vistas, try taking a close look at little things: a leaf, or a pebble, or a fallen feather. There’s wonder there too.
Besides, we all know that fear leads to the Dark Side. Let’s not go there.
Hi Carol! Thank you for checking in on this. And yes, you’ve got the idea by acknowledging that it’s impossible to know everything about everything! And I particularly appreciate you pointing out that taking the time to look closely at the little things is also important. What’s the William Blake quote:
“To see a World in a Grain of Sand
And a Heaven in a Wild Flower,
Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand
And Eternity in an hour.”
Thanks for reminding me! ~Kathy
Kathy, I enjoyed reading your post about being with nature. I know a lot about the health benefits of connecting with nature. Many years ago I earned a much bigger living then I do now. As a result I had the disposable income to cover the costs associated with gas, travel expenses, food, national park fees, and anything else. Now I can’t afford the gas to visit my favorite hiking trails and I live in the Seattle area which is one of the best places to live in America if you are a nature lover.
Most of us today can’t. As a result much of my mental health has paid a price. Back in the day I was out there from March until October every weekend I could. I have over the years taken over 5,000 photographs of landscapes, wild flowers, wildlife, waterfalls and more.
I miss it more than you know. It fed my soul. I have produced multimedia DVD’s complete with image galleries and soundtracks including video. I watch now and then remembering the good ole days. Most people seem to think that traveling in your car, hiking, camping and most outdoor activities are somehow free or cost virtually nothing. Not sure where everyone got that idea.
This point of my reply is not to disagree with you. Slam your words or make you feel bad. On the contrary I couldn’t agree with you more. Your words are spot on.
I wish I could feed my soul. Now until I have the money to cover to expenses my writing is my only escape from reality. Someday I will publish the fiction mystery I’m writing.
Great article. I enjoyed reading it. Should you choose to learn more about me or read anything I have to share with the world you can start with ericowens.weebly.com. Or my WordPress blog indicated on this reply form.
I enjoy your newsletters and wish you many happy getaways. God Bless!
Eric
Hi Eric! Welcome to SMART Living and thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts about this. And I’m sorry you are feeling unable to get out into nature as you did before. But make no mistake, from what I learned, awe and wonder don’t “require” nature. Nature is just one of the easiest (and usually most convenient) ways to do it. Naturally, if you are in a city, then it can be difficult. And while you may not be able to do it the way you did it before, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t other possibilities. Please don’t shut yourself from awe and wonder just because it doesn’t show up in your preferred way. For example, art galleries and museums are often free. City parks contain great beauty. Music is also another way to touch the mystery. Where I live they often offer free concerts in the park. Sure it might help to have income and resources, but I believe we can all find it if we choose. Just watching a plant grow can remind us of the greater miracle of life if we let it. Watching children play in a playground can be exhilarating. Of course, writing does offer another avenue for exploring so it sounds like that helps. But please don’t give up. Be open to new ways to see the miraculous and you might be surprised. ~Kathy