Be in awe of something every day

 

An awe inspiring scene on my weekly commute (my own photo)

Awe: ‘a feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder’

As I round the corner of one of the final sweeping bends, the tree canopy parts like theatre curtains to reveal wide and distant views of the Snowdonia mountain range — pockets of sunlight beam down and turn rocky faces orange. On the other side of the panorama, beams of light descend in rays. The greenery appears like over-saturated green velvet carpeting the the valley floor.

I’ve witnessed the same view weekly for the past 7 years in all seasonal states — snow, ice, gale force winds ripping through the valley — you name it I’ve seen it. And every time I see it, I’m in awe of the sheer magnificence and beauty of it.

I consciously pause to take the scene in and remind myself that being in awe of something every day is good for us. That moment to pause, reflect, and acknowledge something positive, if not inspiring, is a tick in the right mood direction.

Same valley — snow covered (my photo)

But it doesn’t take the Snowdonia mountain range to instil awe. It can be found in almost every aspect of daily life, whatever your surroundings or situation.

Nature naturally has the power to give you that feeling of reverential respect whether it is an unusual cloud formation or small spider weaving an intricate web that is catching the dew on a spring morning.

There are artificial sources too — manmade inspiration, be it a magnificent work of public art or something the kids have achieved at school that shows the power of the developing brain.

When I fulfil my daily need of being in awe of something, at least once, whatever thoughts that are cycling through my brain get shuffled to the back and reorder themselves. It’s like a brief reset or reality check. The stress linked to these cyclic thoughts is let out like a pressure valve as perspective is re-gained.

I’ve taken this practice a little for granted over the last few years — but this week I was reminded of the value of it by Matthew. A moving and very real example of how being in awe of something for a moment can have a positive effect on even the most traumatic memories. As Matthew refers to it — “the little things…”

“There’s beauty in the clouds even when there is sadness in my heart”
Matthew Heneghan

Read it here:

https://medium.com/@mattwriteslife/finding-light-in-the-darkness-how-morning-clouds-and-small-wonders-help-me-combat-ptsd-0086343cd8b2

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