We often talk about the importance of getting out into nature. Getting out for an “awe walk” can be a perfect marriage of mindfulness and exercise.
And awe walk is a mindfulness practice wherein you shift your attention outward and just notice where you are without thinking. You don’t think about your purpose or your priorities; you just enjoy the view. You don’t listen to the radio or music, or try to think deep thoughts. You simply listen to nature and exist in the space, paying attention to the sights and sounds around you instead of your own internal thoughts.
Awe walks can slow your respiration and pulse. Your muscles can also relax as your brain becomes calmed and quieter with less stress and slows down physical processes. Being in nature lowers the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline.
But, according to research, awe walks can be even more restorative as they leave people “feeling connected to something larger than the self.” That acts as a form of meditation that helps people slow down and feel more at peace than a brisk walk through a park.
When going on an awe walk, it’s essential to simply be present in the space. That’s why you shouldn’t listen to music. However, paying attention to your own breathing and noticing how you feel in nature can be freeing. During our busy days, we often don’t connect to our physical selves. By connecting to the land and ourselves, we can fully relax. Awe walks allow you “to slow down, reflect, enjoy the moment, and refocus and reset.”
So, next time you go for a walk, leave your headphones at home. And if you are heading out for a hike close to home, consider leaving things like binoculars or bird-watching guides at home. You don’t need all the fixings to connect with nature; you just need to let yourself be fully present. Sometimes, an activity like bird watching can actually take you out of the moment. Simply allowing yourself to exist in the space and feel the wind, hearing any nearby streams or animals can be exhilarating.
You can lean into “the moment” of just being there and romanticise a walk. Even in a location you know well, when you take the time to notice small details and enjoy your walk, a stroll can become truly awe-inspiring.
