Scientists are delving into the psychological and physiological impacts of experiencing awe, particularly how nature can evoke such profound feelings. The author, along with Dr. Michael Amster, explored California’s superbloom in the Tehachapi Mountains to better understand and witness these awe-triggering moments in nature. The phenomenon of awe, which can redefine one’s sense of reality and perception of time, has only recently garnered significant academic attention, despite its potentially profound therapeutic benefits.
Key Points:
- Nature consistently ranks among the top triggers for feelings of awe, with about a quarter of awe experiences being derived from the outdoors.
- The overview effect, a transformative experience astronauts have when viewing Earth from space, was pivotal in igniting academic interest in the concept of awe.
- The academic world has been slow in studying awe, but its importance is being realized, especially in its potential role in therapeutic interventions for trauma, depression, and other conditions.
- The superbloom in California served as a tangible representation of awe, with vast landscapes and vibrant wildflowers evoking powerful emotions.
- Dr. Michael Amster co-authored “The Power of Awe,” aiming to explore and explain the transformative effects of awe on the human psyche and body.
Source: https://www.outsideonline.com/adventure-travel/essays/power-of-awe/
