It's natural that the small details of daily life take most of our focus. School, family and work life are busy! But there is something to be said for stopping. Taking in the wonder of the world around you - the vastness of it all.
When you think about coping skills for mental health, awe might not be on your radar. But it's actually a valuable stressbuster, because at it's core, awe is about recognizing that you are part of something bigger. Those mundane details make up a big picture that when you zoom out, is actually pretty magnificent.
Awe is different from gratitude because it's not about taking inventory. It's simply stopping to notice the view. And researchers tell us that awe encourages feelings of happiness and belonging, which is good for our mental health. In fact the scientists at USC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Centre have a whole page devoted to awe.
There are a lot of ways to practice awe but the easiest is to take a moment, right where you are, and look around. Find something awesome, admirable, beautiful or that makes you happy. The way the snow sparkles, the warmth of the light coming through your window. The music of mingling voices in your space. Whatever it is focus on the details for a moment. How does it make you feel? Do you think others have experienced this same kind of moment? Felt this same feeling?
When you look for awe in the ordinary, you just might find a new perspective to help address stress and support your mental health!