Awe-full moments

The other day my girlfriend and I headed for the hills nearby to hike the trails. It's a place we often frequent, but as she said, "The views never get old". It's true. I never tire of them and I pause and take in the views, snapping photos (how many photos do I really need?) Pictures never really do the scene justice, though. 

Getting outdoors and into the quiet of trail walking is one way to de-stress, and bring a calmness to often anxious thoughts. And it seems now, more than ever, we would all benefit from activities that calm our nervous system. One of these ways, I have recently read about, is to intentionally experience awe. 

What is awe? It is an overwhelming feeling of reverence, admiration, deep respect,  etc,  produced by something grand, sublime, or extremely powerful. (dictionary.com) It often includes wonder, which is more about seeing something marvelous and asking questions about it.  Awe moves beyond self and makes us feel part of something much bigger than ourselves.

Why is awe good for us? Scientific studies related to neuroplasticity (how the brain can change) show that the sense of awe and wonder one experiences actually helps switch the brain and autonomic nervous system to the parasympathetic branch, which controls the functions needed for healing. These functions include digesting, detoxing, and balancing the immune system.  This means that by viewing awe-inspiring images, the body calms down. Our bodies can actually leave the fear swirl we might feel trapped in.  The more one experiences awe in one day, the more inflammation is reduced. 

Apparently, awe can be experienced in various ways. Intentional walks in beautiful places such as mountains, on beaches, or forest trails, prayer, meditation, lit candles, scents, and even silence cultivate a shift in the brain.  Isn't it amazing how science and biblical wisdom seem to complement each other, rather than oppose? 

I guess it's never a waste of time to linger in a beautiful space and enjoy the experience. With a busy life, that might be a lot harder to do, though! 

When was the last time you were in awe of something?