At MetroParks of Butler County, we encourage everyone to enjoy the outdoors to improve their mental and physical health. But have you ever been awestruck when visiting the parks? Have you felt that switch flip in your brain while being awestruck? The sudden understanding that the world is bigger than just you, or the pause you feel at the sight of something so incredible (in a good way!)? In studies worldwide, nature tends to rank in the top two or three categories of awe triggers. About a quarter of the time we experience awe, it’s from being outside. But why is experiencing a sensation of awe so important and can you practice and actually get better at experiencing it?

Awe is a prosocial emotion in which we feel more connected, open-hearted, happier, present, and caring toward others and all life on earth. With the right outlook, awe can be found in almost any environment, turning an everyday experience into an adventure of inspiration and wonder. Awe is most likely to be experienced in places that have two key features: physical vastness and novelty. You’re more likely to feel awe in a new place, where the sights and sounds are unfamiliar to you. That said, some places never seem to get old!

Research has shown that experiencing awe leads to several benefits including a decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines — proteins in the body that make the immune system work harder. Other benefits include:

1. Awe may enhance our sense of connection to others and the world around us and reduce feelings of isolation, which can be comforting and grounding.
2. Regular encounters with awe may possibly lead to an overall enhancement in mood and wellbeing with potential long-term effects like lasting happiness and overall satisfaction.
3. Awe may expand our perspective and shift how we think. By breaking us out of our typical thought patterns, awe can possibly inspire new ideas and approaches to enhance our creativity and problem-solving skills.
4. By shifting focus away from the self and toward the wider world, awe may help reduce the introspection and rumination that often accompany anxiety and depression. This could provide a natural boost to our mental health.
5. Experiencing awe may make us more empathetic toward the experiences and feelings of others. This can lead to more altruistic behavior, moving us to act in ways that benefit other people without expecting anything in return.

So how do you induce and practice awe?

• Explore new places.
• Engage deeply with art and culture.
• Spend more time in nature (YOUR MetroParks!)
• Practice mindfulness to enhance your awareness and presence to help you notice awe-inspiring details in everyday life. 
• Learn about the world to gain new insights and reasons to feel awe.

It’s also been found practicing allows the mind to feel a sense of awe more readily. So sit at Rentschler Forest MetroPark and gaze upon the Great Miami River, take in the overlook at the Sycamore Grove Trail at Governor Bebb MetroPark, birdwatch at Gilmore Ponds MetroPark, visit the lake at Voice of America MetroPark and people watch or check out a Kestrel hover-hunting at Forest Run MetroPark. Get practicing and feel it!

About the Author:

Joe Bruns in MetroParks of Butler County’s Project Manager.