Awe, Nature’s Spiritual Catalyst

Image of person looking up at a waterfall

Awe, nature’s spiritual catalyst (and call to action)

“When people feel awe they are more likely to be prosocial and giving.”

Lucy Jones, author of Losing Eden, speaks to the subversive idea that nature is not just “the environment,” but rather ourselves and our home.

Her heartfelt and science-informed book speaks to our porousness to the natural world (e.g., how petrichor, a comforting earthy scent post-rainfall, and positive ions abundant in the natural world, can impact our mood, inflammation, and immune functioning).

We all benefit from language that deepens relationship, curiosity, and awe with the natural world.

Are there experiences in the natural world that nourish your well-being?

Resources
CIIS interview w/Lucy Jones: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0ccbuFCZGk

Barton, J., & Pretty, J. (2010). What is the best dose of nature and green exercise for improving mental health? A multi-study analysis. Environmental science & technology, 44(10), 3947-3955.

Perez, V., Alexander, D. D., & Bailey, W. H. (2013). Air ions and mood outcomes: a review and meta-analysis. BMC psychiatry, 13(1), 1-20.

Capaldi, C. A., Dopko, R. L., & Zelenski, J. M. (2014). The relationship between nature connectedness and happiness: A meta-analysis. Frontiers in psychology, 5, 976.