What do you notice when you walk for exercise? If it's a perpetual sense of dread, we have a solution. The New York Times suggests trying an "'awe walk,' an outdoor ramble designed to cultivate a sense of amazement."
Dacher Keltner, a professor of psychology at the University of California, Berkeley, and the author of “Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life,” says that "many people associate awe with places like the Grand Canyon. But some feel it more frequently in response to commonplace things, like a nighttime sky blazing with stars." In short: Awe is more accessible than you might think.
And there's more! Research suggests that awe is even good for your health. Awe can help calm the nervous system, reduce inflammation and foster a sense of community (even if you experience the emotion alone). People who took awe walks, one study found, felt more upbeat and hopeful than walkers who did not.
At Splinter Creek, our property is filled with 650 acres in which to experience awe. From our three spring-fed lakes, to our 10 miles of interconnected hiking trails and our rolling pine forests, to our clear view of the sky, we offer a place where nature is truly at your doorstep. We offer you to make an appointment to visit Splinter Creek this summer. We can't wait to welcome you!
