October 3, 2020

awe walk

Too much time on social media and news sites increases our stress levels. It can also cause depression and secondary trauma. Especially now during the year 2020 when we have a pandemic, an awakening to racial inequalities, an economy shattered, fires leading to dangerous air quality, worries over our election and elected officials, and more. Getting off the screen and getting outside and getting exercise is also helpful. I know my resilience is much stronger when I am able to get exercise and I am much more fragile without it. The two weeks of dangerous air quality here, where I couldn't get outside, was hard for me. Actually, perhaps the hardest two weeks of the pandemic for me so far.

Walking with an eye for awe is a way to lift your spirits more easily. An “Awe Walk” is one in which you take a fresh look while walking and really see things you haven’t noticed before. My friends Catherine and Tony do this and find hidden delights in yards and gardens while walking. It can turn any place into a special place. No travel necessary.

Today I took an awe walk in my own garden and found this spider web covered in the morning fog. So beautiful.

Wash your hands, cover your nose, keep safe six, walk with awe.

And finally, my caveat is that this is my experience and my opinions, which are subject to change as more information is available, and not related to the organization I work for. Thanks for reading.

PS. Last night I made an error. The president’s aid diagnosed with COVID-19 is Hope Hicks, not Hope Rice.

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/30/well/move/an-awe-walk-might-do-wonders-for-your-well-being.html

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/09/200929152149.htm

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/09/well/move/Exercise-stress-resilience.html