ROCK thru to more awe in nature
ABUNDANT LIVING SERIES
by Lee Havenga | November 7, 2024
Nature surrounds us with awe-inspiring beauty, from grand landscapes to patterned bird feathers. Yet, often we fail to fully experience this awe in nature, as our minds are cluttered with tasks, worries, and past thoughts. Connecting to yourself first clears your mind, heightens your senses, and opens you to nature’s wonder.
Dacher Keltner, in the book Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder, identifies awe in nature as one of life’s eight essential wonders, with benefits like reduced stress and mental clarity. Yet, as he points out, awe doesn’t just happen; it requires mindful presence. By grounding ourselves first, we create space to experience the awe of nature more deeply.
While I usually try to stay present on hikes, one day I was distracted by a busy mind and barely noticed the wildflowers around me. But as I paused to tie my shoe, a tiny Redroot Buckwheat caught my eye, its intricate pink and white blooms a reminder of the beauty I’d overlooked. Now, before each hike, I take a moment to center myself, opening up to the awe in nature that often goes unseen.
“And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.”
CONNECTION
Apply it
Connection to Self: The Foundation of Awe in Nature
Connecting to yourself first centers you in the present and opens you to deeper natural experiences. Without this inner calm, we may see only the surface beauty, missing the profound sense of awe that nature offers. Jon Kabat-Zinn, author of Wherever You Go, There You Are, emphasizes that presence allows us to truly experience each moment. Here are three techniques to connect with yourself first, setting the stage for more meaningful awe in nature.
Apply it: Three Simple Practices for Self-Connection and Experiencing Awe in Nature
1. Ground Yourself with a Breathing Exercise
2-minutes
Breathing exercises are a simple, powerful way to bring your mind into the present. By focusing on your breath, you let go of distractions, clear your mind, and make space for nature’s wonder. Try “4-7-8 breathing” before you begin your walk or hike. Breathe in for four counts, hold for seven, and exhale for eight. Repeat this three to five times. This will help you release stress and connect to your inner calm, priming you for awe-inspiring moments in nature.
2. Set an Intention for Mindful Awareness
60 seconds
Setting an intention reminds you to be present, guiding your mind toward noticing details you might otherwise overlook. Before heading outdoors, choose an intention like “I will notice small details” or “I will move slowly and with presence.” As you walk, check in with yourself occasionally to keep your mind focused on this intention, helping you become more attuned to the beauty around you.
3. Pause to Reflect on Nature’s Details
2-minutes
Observing a small detail in nature is an easy way to reconnect with yourself and immerse yourself in awe. Find something simple—a leaf, a small flower, or even the pattern of sunlight on the ground. Pause to observe it closely. Notice its colors, textures, and shapes. Let this mindful moment remind you of the intricate beauty in nature and within yourself.
Connecting with yourself before experiencing nature transforms the way you experience it. Grounding yourself in the present and intending to be mindful can turn an ordinary walk into a profound encounter with awe-inspiring moments. ROCK thru with more awe in nature by creating moments of mindful self-connection before an outdoor experience.
XO ~ Lee
Sources:
Keltner, Dacher. Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life. Penguin Press, 2023.
Kabat-Zinn, Jon. Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life. Hachette Books, 1994.
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