Have you ever thought that a walk could make you happy, cheerful, and feel connected to the world around you? Try an awe walk to experience its power. An awe walk is a mindful activity that releases tension and body thoughts, allowing you to feel joy in every step. It is one of the mental health-boosting activities.
“The practice is not just walking; it’s more like walking meditation.”
What Is Awe Walk?
Walking is one of the best exercises for cultivating mindfulness. Awe walking is the practice of focusing on the outside world rather than our internal concerns and thoughts. We are opening our eyes to see and experience the gold-hued sunlight, the humming of the wind through the leaves, and the blossoming of the flowers through the wall cracks.
In a world full of noise, we often forget to connect to the happiness that is all around us. Awe walks are walks where we intentionally observe and appreciate the beauty around us. The power of awe walks is that when you invest yourself in walking, you can feel the wonders of life in every step; you feel freedom as you walk. It’s about discovering the exceptional in the ordinary.
The Beliefs Behind Awe Walks
We connect to nature and Mother Earth more when we walk mindfully. Studies conclude that awe walks offer several benefits.
In September 2020, Dr. Virginia Sturm at the University of California, San Francisco, conducted a study on the effects of “awe walks” on 60 older adults. During a period of 8 weeks, those who purposefully focused on “awe” during their 15-minute walks reported some benefits of awe walks, including increased joy, relaxation, and emotional well-being compared to those in the control group.
Additionally, they reported feeling less stressed in their day-to-day lives. It is really helpful for boosting mental health. The studies have stated that the person who took awe walks reported an increase in their emotions and a decrease in their negative thoughts and stress.
Keltner describes how he and his friend experienced moments of awe in their lives in his book, “Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life.” He says one can find awe anywhere.
“The mind is the real instrument for sight and observation.” – Pliny the Elder
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How to Do an Awe Walk?
For an awe walk, you just have to set an intention. To connect to nature, to feel surrounded, to be involved in things going on around you. You can do it anywhere in city streets, your neighborhood, or in parks. Here are things for how to do an awe walk:
Leave Distractions
- Keep your phone aside (better at home).
- Don’t put your headphones on for music. Let the sound of nature be your music.
- No capture of photographs for posting on social media; rather, capture the moments with your eyes and save them in an album of your heart.
Observe Things
- Open up your senses and look around.
- Look up at the clouds, birds, and planes that shine like stars in the sun.
- Listen to the sound of nature’s life. You can hear the chirping of birds, the humming of people, and the rustling of trees.
Soak Yourself
- Savor the essence of the planet Earth.
- Stop for a moment and sink into the things around you; feel them around you.
- Take deep breaths; breathe in the smell of rain or flowers or something delicious cooking nearby you.
- Stare at the things that make you awed or amazed.
Reflect On Your Feelings
- Write down the moments you feel in your journal.
- Share your feelings after taking the walk.
- List the things that you found extraordinary or that you noticed for the first time.
The Benefits of Awe Walks!
Walking is like pleasure. When you walk with mindfulness, you don’t lose yourself. Many people say they feel lighter, calmer, and more alive after taking an awe walk; it’s the power of awe walking.
Here are a few benefits of awe walks:
- Reduced stress level: It helps to decrease stress and anxiety. When you walk with concentration, your focus shifts from daily stress.
- Improved emotions: It improves a sense of connection to self, nature, and each other. It makes you feel more relaxed, happy, and joyful.
- Improved mood: Awe boosts the mood and heightens the sense of perspective. Positive emotions and life satisfaction increase. This effect is achieved by calming your mind and stimulating happy emotions.
- We feel more appreciative, compassionate, and connected. We become less anxious. It also helps boost creativity and curiosity.
“If you can take just a few minutes for yourself to calm your body, your feelings, and your perceptions, joy becomes possible.”
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Final Steps: Walk gently, Look deeply
Usually, we think that transformation results from big changes, but sometimes it can happen in small, subtle ways. Next time, when your life feels messy and your mind feels heavy, try this:
- Go on a walk on a road lined with trees.
- Look for the wonders around you.
- Let the world move you and unfold your every step.
Perhaps the solution doesn’t always involve running away. Perhaps the answer is to learn how to walk with awe, which can boost our mental health.
You don’t need mountains, oceans, or sunflower fields to feel awe; it can be found in the raindrops, shadows, and rush of the city.
So, get ready for the first step Put on your shoes, open your eyes, and let the wonder lead your way.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can awe walks benefit my mental health?
Yes! Studies show that taking awe walks can decrease stress, enhance mood, and cultivate a sense of serenity. In addition, being intentional in walking can clear the mind and bring about emotional healing.
- Does regular walking count as awe walking?
A normal walk is merely about exercise or reaching one place from another, while an awe walk is mindful and intentional. It has you focusing on mindfulness, walking slowly, and paying attention to your senses to see the beauty and small details in your surroundings.
- What should be the duration of an Awe Walk
An awe walk doesn’t have a set time. The duration may vary from minutes to an hour. Your mindfulness and interaction with your surroundings are more important than the length of time.
- Where should I take awe walks in urban cities?
You can take Awe walks anywhere. What matters is your mindfulness and concentration while walking. You can go for a walk on the streets, in public places, and in parks. You will see the awe in the building’s architecture, people moving around you, or the city’s chaos.
- Is there any specific time for awe walks?
There is no such thing as a specific time for awe walks. We can go for an awe walk at any time, though early mornings and late evenings are often more suitable because they tend to be quieter than afternoons. Ultimately, it depends on when you feel refreshed and most connected with your surroundings.