Blog Layout

Move over happiness and make way for awe. Six benefits to this incredible emotion 

Dark skies at Dalby Forest

Dark skies at Dalby Forest, North York Moors National Park. Image: Classlane Media/NYMNPA



Seek out experiences that give you goosebumps. Scientific research now has proof awe provides profound benefits that far outweighs happiness. Some even say it’s an essential part of life.


But what is it? Have you ever looked up in wonder at a star-filled night sky? Or stopped in your tracks to witness an incredible sunset? Watched autumn leaves falling and been ‘wow’ed’ by the colours? You’ve experienced awe.  

Many of us only associate this long over-looked emotion with extraordinary or transcendental events. Easily done since we live largely absorbed with our screens, disconnected from nature and people. But scientists reckon awe-some moments happen roughly every 3 days - if we pay attention.  


Being more open and mindful of subtle episodes in your daily lives – especially while spending time outdoors – evokes awe. And with it come a whole host of delights.


1. Increased physical health

Feeling wonderment is linked to lower levels of inflammation-producing proteins called cytokines. This is a good thing as they have been linked to diabetes, Alzheimer’s, depression, and cardiovascular disease.


2. Reduced stress levels and increase in feel good chemicals

Studies show when encountering this state over a period of time, you have lower stress levels and higher oxytocin. This feel-good chemical – also known as the love hormone – is linked to faster healing time too.


3. Increased sense of belonging 

Amazement stimulates the idea you’re part of something bigger than yourself – such as a community – or even the universe. Brought about when you let go of your own concerns, it stimulates greater connection to others and nature.


4. Increased pro-social behaviours 

When you’re captivated on a regular basis, you can feel more generous-spirited to others. Lots of research shows positive social relationships decrease inflammation, increase health and longevity.


5. More creativity

Rapt awareness triggers a desire to understand more and learn new things. As a consequence it makes us want to create.


6. Immersion in the present moment

Have you ever felt time stood still when you’ve encountered a jaw-droppingly beautiful view? You were immersed in the Now – a place where there is no future or past. This is where life truly happens.


So, go seek out those goosebump moments – and revel in all its gifts!


We include mindfulness in all of our experiences so you can encounter life in a different, amazing way. You’ll find a list of what we're doing here .

by Alison Goodwin 7 November 2024
How does it feel to come on one of our experiences?
by Alison Goodwin 20 August 2021
Find your wild
by Alison Goodwin 15 February 2021
Walking at night can feel a bit like a mini-adventure. Instead of succumbing to the settee you’re doing something different to your usual routine. By doing so, it opens up a whole new world both outside - and inside of you. Believe it or not, it’s a fantastic way of combatting those winter blues as it expands your horizons. And this stimulates your happy chemicals. Even a bite-sized bit of time after dark makes you feel exhilarated. This is because your primary sense - sight - takes a back seat while all your other senses become alive. The crunch of snow underfoot. Feeling the breeze brush lightly over your face. Watching silhouettes move in the wind. Looking up to a bright, full moon. The activity totally focuses the brain, so you become more aware to the natural environment around you. All those things you may have missed before, suddenly grab your attention. When you’re less distracted, you mind is calmer too and troubling thoughts may just disappear. Your capacity to feel awe increases massively. An emotion which many scientists now believe is more important than happiness ( read more about awe here ). This feeling not only makes you feel more positive, it helps you regain a sense of perspective on life. Certainly I’ve stood on top of a wild moor and seen a huge star-filled sky and it’s taken my breath away. No matter how many times I do these experiences, I feel awe which stays with me for days afterwards. I feel more connected to this world and yet at the same time just a small part of life itself. But you don’t need to be in the middle of nowhere to experience this. Take yourself to your nearest green space and look up. Or join us on one of our dark sky experiences .
by Alison Goodwin 22 September 2020
We set off just before sunset, travelling slowly along the edge of this ancient land, gently waking up our senses. Taking ourselves on an adventure that would calm the mind right down and make us feel more present. Doing this meant we could feel, hear and see so much more. Meanwhile, our guide Fabian, brought our attention to visible land marks, stars, and spoke to us about the universe. It was utterly enthralling.
by Alison Goodwin 22 September 2020
Sitting, huddled around a fire, cosy in blankets, we looked in awe at the star-studded sky above us. Feeling alive and zinging from the twilight-cum-night walk we'd just done and the wildlife we'd heard and seen.
by Alison Goodwin 28 May 2020
Want to know how potent being in nature, combined with mindfulness and a yoga practise can be? It's truly transformative. Read on to find out more.
Staindale Lake in Dalby Forest
by Alison Goodwin 13 March 2020
Walking in woods boosts immunity and makes you feel happier.
by Alison Goodwin 9 January 2020
Whether you realise it or not, we spend our daily lives approaching tasks the same way we’ve always done them. We start to feel stuck, stale and stagnant. Very rarely do we try new, unique experiences. But what would happen if you approached life differently? Here are some benefits of trying.
The precious present
by Alison Goodwin 20 December 2019
A little gift for you for the festive season. Whether you love or loathe Christmas, here are a few tips to help soothe any frayed nerves - as well as enhance enjoyment.
5 ways to have a mini adventure - in the dark!
by Alison Goodwin 21 November 2019
Its easy to succumb to the settee when it gets dark. Days are shorter and there’s less time to get outside. Our mood can also be affected. Mini adventures might just be the ticket for combatting those winter blues. Your horizons expand when you break away from your usual routine. And your happy chemicals get stimulated too. So head outdoors and enjoy nocturnal activities – and give yourself a boost.
More posts
Share by: