Awe Moments

 Last Sunday in the Parade section of the newspaper there was an article,

Feeling Awe may be the Secret to Health and Happiness, by Paula Spencer Scott.

For the last few days I have thought of this article.

Delights of the Heart blog helps me to notice the AWE in each day.

I find awe in nature and the quiet moments reading a book or sipping tea,

in the flowers in my garden or a moment in time when spent with a friend

where we connect and can feel the spirit of the moment.

"Awe alters our bodies.  Awe is the positive emotion that most strongly predicts reduced

levels of cytokines, a marker of inflammation that's linked to depression, according to 

research from University of Toronto's Jennifer Stellar.  That suggests a possible role

in health and healing........."

The article went on to list 7 ways to find awe in everyday life:

1. Drop the devices and gaze at the clouds or stars.

2. Visit a local, state or national park.

3. Take an Awe Walk in your neighborhood, noticing things as if for the first time.

4. Describe to a friend or write about a time you once felt awe.

5. Visit a museum or planetarium.

6. Get up early to watch the sunrise.

7. Play amazing music. (Beethoven's Fifth comes up often.

Shiota suggests Alison Krauss' "Down to the River to Pray" and

Carlos Santana's live "Europa.")

When was the last time you felt AWE?

What touches your heart?
Let us remember daily to notice those things
that bring an "awe" if for no other reason 
than health and healing.

Happy weekend, dear friends!