Feeling stressed or overwhelmed? Go for an “Awe Walk”
Reconnect your mind/body with what really matters
Anyone who knows me very well also knows that walking is a passion of mine. You will find me on a trail in the woods most Sunday afternoons (as well as any other scraps of time I can find throughout the week).
I need a walk in the woods almost as much as I need to breathe!
My walks are all different, depending on how I’m feeling. Sometimes I feel distracted because I have a lot on my mind, sometimes I’m engaged in great conversations with my walking mates, and sometimes we’re on a difficult, very rocky trail and all my concentration is on my footing.
The best walks, though, are when I set an intention to walk mindfully and really take in my surroundings. I’ve recently found a name for this type of walking: “awe walks”.
Yes, it’s really a thing! If you Google “awe walks” you will find articles from the New York Times, The Greater Good Science Center at University of Berkeley, Forbes magazine, The Mindfulness Journal, etc.
“Awe” is defined as “a feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder” (Oxford dictionary). You can experience awe in many different ways including nature, looking at beautiful art, listening to music, etc.
So what is “awe walking”? It’s generally described as a slow, mindful walk in which you intentionally shift your attention outward instead of inward. It’s a wonderful prescription for when you want a break from your thoughts. Turning our focus outward helps to reset our mindset.
Walking is great for helping with creative problem solving, and I often do that and recommend it. Awe walking is different and equally supportive in your mental health and wellbeing. While consciously involved in an awe walk you’re not thinking about your “to-do” list, bills that need paying, or what to make for dinner - instead you’re looking beyond yourself and feeding your inner soul.
According to a research study with seniors published in the journal Emotions in 2020, researchers found that the participants who set the intention to find awe in their weekly walks were more likely to experience less negative emotions and described themselves as happier than those who who just walked. This study was based on a 15 minute walk taken once a week for 8 weeks. The control group was simply asked to go for a walk but the other group was told to find at least one thing that awed them on their walk. It was found that by simply changing mindset (i.e., taking the awe walk) it resulted in changing their overall outlook on life.
If you don’t have access to a forest path, an urban walk will work just as well. The purpose is to completely focus on your surroundings and walk slowly. Look at the little things. Stop and really explore. You will be amazed at the experience.
Keep in mind that all five senses are involved in producing “awe” moments - sight, sound, smell, hearing and touch).
Here are some basic ideas on how to plan and get started on your own awe walk:
Before you actually start the walk, turn off your cell phone. I know this will be the hardest step for most of us! For safety reasons, I won’t suggest that you leave it at home, but please turn it off for the duration of the walk.
If possible, go somewhere new. Even if you’re walking the same path or sidewalk, perhaps try going a different route or direction. Our brains love novelty and will be more inspired in a new setting.
When you see something interesting, take a closer look. Autumn is the perfect time for trying awe walking. The colours, leaves, and trees are all spectacular. Pick up a leaf, or look closer at a flower - really look at it. When you think about how they grew and look at the inside, you’ll be amazed.
Slow right down. This is not a fitness walk - we’re not trying to get our heart rates up! This is a slow stroll with all five senses engaged. Take your time, breathe and notice.
Really pay attention. There is something to be in awe about everywhere you look!
Here’s an extra tip. Spend 5-10 minutes engaging in some breathing exercises, slow mindful movement and/or meditation before heading out on your walk. It will prepare you for slowing down and being more mindful of your surroundings.
Awe and wonder are all around us, all of the time. Go for an “awe walk” and notice the positive change in your mindset. To really celebrate your achievement, write about your experience and what you found in your journal when you get home. It will inspire you to continue the practice.
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I’d love to hear from you so please send any comments or questions to me at sharon@sharonashtonmindfulyoga.com. Feel free to share this email with anyone else who may be interested.
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"I felt at complete ease with Sharon from our first conversation. She has a wonderful, gentle but firm way that made me focus on my thoughts / feelings so I could remove / change to move forward with a completely different feeling to what felt like obstacles. It was great having regular coaching that gently kept me accountable to actioning and moving towards my goals. Sharon has vast experience in so many areas, I felt that makes her an amazing coach.”
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