Awe

This time of year, at least in the Midwest, it's hard not to feel a bit of awe every time you go outside. Things are green again, animals are waking up or returning, and it seems nearly every tree is in bloom. 

Cherry blossoms

Apple blossoms

More apple blossoms 

Peach blossoms

At least I hope you are getting outside and enjoying it all because it's good for you to do so. It's good to be outside in nature. Brain science has lots and lots of studies to show what you probably already understood... That being in nature can reduce cortisol and lead to feelings of well-being. 

But here is another bit of brain trivia for you. Nature inspired awe can also change how you perceive time. 

I came across a study while I was doing my action research project research which looked at how people perceived time after being outside and viewing something that was awe inspiring. The results were that feelings of awe made time feel broader, as if the person felt there was more of it. And this was not awe as in viewing the Grand Canyon or the endless beautiful vistas of Yellowstone, this was paying close attention to what we might consider to be more every day varieties of nature. This was nature that most of us have access to without much effort, oftentimes right outside our door. 

Feeling pressed for time is a frequent complaint among most of us, and I often here it when I'm talking with other parents. I know from my own experience, that feeling hurried does not make me the best version of myself. These feelings of hurry can lead to irritation, short-temperedness, and a sort of tunnel vision as we focus harder and harder on the things we're trying to do. No one enjoys this, not us, not the people who are around us. 

Here's my counter-cultural suggestion. The next time you are feeling overwhelmed by how much you have to do and how little time you have to do it in, instead of jumping right into the first item, go outside for a few minutes. You can take this time, I promise. Focus on something you haven't really paid attention to before, be amazed by it, be awed by it. Relish that feeling of awe and then see if it has taken the edge off your hurry. Because you don't get more time by hurrying, but you can ruin the time you do have. We do have enough time for the important things and we sometimes lose sight of the important things.