noticing beauty

This morning I read my own tag line. And I thought, “dang, that is true.”

To muse is to be engaged in the present moment, observe something noteworthy, and to say so. I'm a southern girl who notices beauty in every day life and endeavors put that into words. 

What do you observe in this photo? 

This morning I noticed the beauty in the light coming in the window on the leaves of my beloved “Dottie,” a polka dot begonia. 

The rays of light and the way they hit the leaves brought me a moment of awe. When is the last time you felt awe? 

Dr. Dacher Keltner defines awe as “the feeling of being in the presence of something vast that transcends your understanding of the world.” He talks about how awe reminds us that there is something bigger than ourselves and it out kicks our current knowledge. Dr. Keltner has devoted much of his life to studying awe. He points out that not only the expansive can give us awe but the ordinary. 

Experiencing awe changes us. He says that most people only experience awe twice a week. He has outlined a process of increasing that by going on an “awe walk.” 

https://www.awakin.org/v2/read/view.php?tid=2598 

Why do it? Awe can reduce stress, reduce inflammation, and benefit your cardiovascular system. It’s a medicine for your soul, body and mind. I’m in. 

For maximum effect, notice the small to the vast. To continue the example I notice the rays of light on the leaves of Dottie and then  look out the window to the actual sun (without blinding myself). Dr. Andrew Huberman interviewed Dr. Keltner and talked about the specific changes in our brains and bodies when we do this. If you are a neuroscience nerd like I am, you may enjoy it!

https://www.hubermanlab.com/episode/cultivating-awe-and-emotional-connection-dr-dacher-keltner

In a few minutes, Ruby and I will take a walk by the river. I will do this intentional practice of cultivating awe. I’ll let you know how it goes. For now, I am in awe of her cuteness.