What is the “Awe Effect”?
I recently listened to an audible publication titled, “The Three-Day Effect”. In this podcast, author Florence Williams reveals some scientific correlations between time spent outside and improved health and creativity. Toward the end of the podcast, she had a chapter on awe.
What is awe? The Dictionary describes it as, “A feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder.” Williams interviewed scientists at the Greater Good Science Center who have closely studied how the sense of awe can bring physical and mental benefits.
When you look at something bigger or better than yourself, something inspiring, then you feel a sense of awe. Scientists point out that focusing on something bigger calms your mind and gives you a sense of tranquility. This truth has been taught in the Bible for centuries. When we focus on God instead of ourselves, we find peace. Often times the world around us seems out of control, but we know that God is greater than any problem or situation. He is the one who created the universe. As the creator, he can calm the seas and he can calm our hearts. (Mark 4:39) The Bible says, “Be still and know that I am God,” because it is for our own good.
“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Psalm 46:10 ESV
Finding a Sense of Awe in God’s Creation
Scientists say that one of the places you will find awe is in nature. This makes sense because all of nature is God’s creation. When we look at a gorgeous view, the stars, a lovely sunset, the ocean or a waterfall, we can’t help but feel a sense of awe. Our eyes widen to take in the view, our mouth drops open, and we suck in oxygen. Our focus falls away from self as we are overwhelmed by beauty. When we allow nature to point us to God the Creator, our hearts worship.
The heavens declare the glory of God, And the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, And night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. Psalm 19:1-4 ESV
Berkley scientists encourage people to go on awe walks. As you trek through nature, steps include the following: “Feel your feet on the ground, listen to surrounding sounds, shift your awareness to things vast that surprise and delight.” Some of the benefits that they tout include an improved mood, a sharpened brain, a decrease in materialism, and a connection to humanity. I don’t subscribe to all their secular views, but I do see benefits personally when I get out and enjoy God’s creation.
“Worthy are you, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” Revelation 4:11 ESV
Awe Walks With Melie
Here are some photos from a recent three-day excursion to Brookings, Oregon, where I took multiple “awe walks”.
I felt the cool sand, rough and damp between my toes. I breathed deep the smells of salt, moisture, and seaweed. I listened to the gurgles and ripples of streams as well as the whoosh of ocean waves crashing and splashing. Seagulls called out in screeches and the smell of scotch broom growing on the hillside tickled my nose.
As I strolled and photographed, I focused on God, who created all the beauty around me. Each night, after the sunset, I looked up Bible verses and meditated on what others before me had written about God in the Psalms. I found that after my three days in nature, I really did feel more relaxed and at peace. This experience reminded me that God is in control of all things.
I hope that I have inspired you to take your own awe walk to meditate on the Lord. Soak in the sights, smells, and sounds surrounding you. Search the scripture for verses that point to creation and God’s power. Then give God the glory. True awe comes from knowing the creator.
Share your personal experience below.
