Awe is the experience we have when we encounter things that are vast and large and that transcend our current understanding of the world. The Greek philosophers felt that awe was our defining strength. It is a pathway that points us to our deep purpose.
Science has shown us that even brief experiences of awe make people more altruistic, less entitled, more humble, aware of the strengths of others, and less stressed by the challenges of daily living. Feeling awe gives us a better sense of how we are part of a larger social collective. It stirs curiosity and seeds scientific thought, all the while bolstering our health and well-being.
Awe is powerful. One of the best ways to cultivate awe is to go on an awe walk. And on very fortunate days, I get to do awe walks in a place like this, Ural Woods National Monument. Let's explore the beauty of this place together through a guided awe meditation. We'll begin the walk as we do all contemplative exercises with the breath.
Take a deep breath in. Count to six as you inhale and six as you exhale. Feel the air move through your nasal passages and hear the sound of your breath. We'll come back to this breath throughout the walk. Feel your feet on the ground and listen to the surrounding sounds.
Return to your breath. Count to six while you inhale and six as you exhale. Let your attention be open in exploration for what inspires all. Your attention might appreciate vast spaces and the sounds and sights within them. You might shift to small patterns, for example, of the sorrel on the ground, or the veins on leaves, or a cluster of tiny mushrooms.
Bring your attention back to the breath. Count to six as you inhale, and six as you exhale. These coastal redwoods, which are some of the largest organisms to ever live, are also some of the oldest living organisms on earth.
Let's appreciate this transient moment in time. The span of our lives is but a brief chapter in the lives of these trees. The striking thing, once you really start to think about awe and try to practice it in your life, is how omnipresent it is.
As you move through your day, take note of the moments that bring you wonder, that give you goosebumps. These are your opportunities for awe. Go out and find your awe moments and listen to them carefully.
What you'll find and how they stir humility and wonder is that they will point you towards what you're supposed to do while you're here on earth.