I have dreams of owning a place with a view of the ocean. The only problem is that I don’t really like the ocean – more specifically sand. I guess I can still find a way to enjoy the view without being close enough to be impacted by sand, right?
There is something that a peaceful view of nature does to our brains and general well-being.
Maybe one day…
Psychologist Dacher Keltner has spent close to 20 years researching awe and the findings suggest that even brief experiences of awe can calm the stress response and help people feel more connected and less lonely.
Even in this moment, if you are feeling stressed, or down or anxious, go look at a tree and it can help. Seriously, run to a window right now and scope a tree. I’ll wait.
…
Notice any difference?
No window or tree nearby? Keltner’s lab found that even seeing an awe-inspiring image can activate the vagus nerve, which helps slow your heart rate and deepen your breathing.
The power is not the tree, it is in feeling awe and wonder. That is what connects us to something bigger and can get us unstuck from what we are feeling in the moment. It also helps us look beyond ourselves to the people around us, and act more generously.
So look up. Find a tree, or a picture, or a patch of ocean (without the sand), and let it be bigger than your to-do list.
