Albert Einstein described feelings of awe as “the source of all true art and science.” he said, “Look deep into nature and you will understand everything better!”
An amazing live oak tree in Texas
I feel awe for our amazing, beautiful country, and have been on a wonderful winter road trip into the center of the United States. We traveled from Minnesota to Texas and the Gulf of Mexico. We drove through a landscape of snow and wind generators in Iowa, and the flat farming prairies of Nebraska, Kansas and Oklahoma, and then through the hill country of Texas into the flat flood plain of the Gulf of Mexico. Next, heading north into the swampland of Louisianna and Arkansas, the hills of Tennesse and Kentucky into the farmlands of Illinois, and finally back into hilly Wisconsin and lake-covered Minnesota. The landscapes and terrain change, but so do the people, plants, trees, birds and the weather.
Knees of the bald cypress tree
I am intrigued by the live oaks of Texas and the cypress trees of Louisianna and Arkansas, and also by the incredible diversity of trees in Tennessee. We love the unique birds of the Gulf of Mexico, but also love seeing our Minnesota birds in a different habitat.
As I travel, I cherish meeting people from all over the world, but especially enjoy how pleasant and friendly people are in the Southern part of the United States. Many go out of their way to greet you on the street, “How’re ya doin?” or “Hi honey!” Something I don’t experience in Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin or Iowa. In the North we all can be kinder/friendlier and smile more!
Bald Cypress trees create awe
How can we experience wonder every day?
How a Bit of Awe Can Improve Your Health – The New York Times (nytimes.com)
Need a 2023 New Year’s Resolution? Try Nurturing “Everyday Awe.” | Sierra Club
7 Ways to Find Awe in Everyday Life – Parade: Entertainment, Recipes, Health, Life, Holidays
- Drop the devices and gaze at the clouds or stars.
- Visit a local, state or national park.
- Take an Awe Walk in your neighborhood, noticing things as if for the first time.
- Describe to a friend or write about a time you once felt awe.
- Visit a museum or planetarium.
- Get up early to watch the sunrise.
- Play amazing music. (Beethoven’s Fifth comes up often. Psychologist Michelle Shiota suggests Alison Krauss’ “Down to the River to Pray” and Carlos Santana’s live “Europa.”)
Related: Feeling Awe May Be the Secret to Health and Happiness
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