Have you ever gone for a walk and felt completely captivated by the beauty of a sunrise, an ancient tree, or even the simplicity of nature around you?
That feeling of wonder you experience is the foundation of what’s known as an AWE walk, the ability to find inspiration and gratitude in the world around you during a simple stroll.
What Exactly Is an AWE Walk?
An AWE walk involves taking a moment to mindfully notice and appreciate the vastness, beauty, and intricacy of the world around you while walking. It’s not just any walk, it’s about shifting your perspective to truly acknowledge the wonder in your surroundings.
This practice goes beyond physical movement, it’s mental and emotional. The goal isn’t to get from point A to point B, instead it’s to cultivate feelings of amazement, gratitude, and curiosity. By being present and open to appreciating the world around you, an everyday walk can turn into an enlightening and restorative experience.
The Science Behind Awe and Wellbeing
What's so special about an AWE walk? Research shows that getting outside and practising a 15 minute AWE walk, even just once a week, can have a profound impact on our wellbeing.
When we experience AWE, it shifts our attention away from ourselves and toward something greater. This kind of perspective change has been shown to:
AWE walks, as simple as they seem, strengthen your mindset, encourage positive social emotions and improve overall wellbeing.
How to Practise an AWE Walk
Here’s how to turn your daily walk into a meaningful AWE walk:
- 1Be Present
Start by grounding yourself in the present moment. Focus on your breath, feel your feet connect with the ground as you walk, and clear your mind of distractions as much as possible. - 2Look with fresh eyes
Pretend you’re seeing your surroundings for the very first time. Whether it’s a local park, a tree-lined path, or even your own garden, try to notice the details. The colours of the sky, the way the wind rustles the leaves, the sound of birds chirping, or the texture of bark on a tree. - 3Embrace Curiosity
Ask yourself questions and feel inspired by the complexity and beauty of even the simplest things around you.
- 4Reflect on Gratitude
As you notice something awe-inspiring, pause and reflect on how it makes you feel. Maybe it’s gratitude for the natural world, for the ability to walk and explore your surroundings, or for being part of something bigger than yourself. Let those feelings soak in.
Find AWE in the Everyday
The best part about an AWE walk is that it doesn’t take much time or effort. People often think of AWE as something reserved for grand experiences, like standing at the edge of a canyon or gazing up at the stars, but it's to appreciate the beauty in everyday life.
Start small, make it a habit, and you’ll soon discover how this simple practice can transform your mood, mindset, and overall outlook on life.