Please join me over on Substack for more writing and musings on nature and forest bathing. And awe!

A Sample

My name is Margaret. I am a nature lover, forest bathing guide, occasional poet, and amatuer photographer. I’ve also been a blogger since before social media (the dark ages) and an avid journaler since 2nd grade. (We called them diaries back then. And I still have all mine down in my basement.)

I have a superpower; I find awe everywhere. Or at least I try to. With this Substack, I plan to return to writing with a focus on awe. You can expect a big dose of nature writing, book reviews, and food – a few of my favorite things.

Why awe?

I’ve heard researcher and writer Dacher Keltner speak on many podcasts, and I read his book “Awe – The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life.” His definition of awe is:

“The feeling of being in the presence of something vast that transcends your current understanding of the world.”

Awe is a unique emotion that can inspire us, sooth us, and increase empathy and compassion – which the world always needs more of. Modern, industrial life has removed us from the way of our ancestors who lived in complete connection with the land, seasons, the sky, and all creatures. These days many of us our more connected to devices than we are to the wind and birdsong all around us. The practice of seeking awe in all its forms, including in nature, helps us return to our natural place in the world.

Keltner’s book suggests people who experience awe several times a week report higher levels of health and happiness. He categorizes 8 kinds of awe experiences:

Moral Beauty of Others
Collective Movement
Nature
Visual Design
Music
Spirituality
Big Ideas
Encountering the Beginning and Ending of Life

I chose the concept of “Awe” for my writing and my guided nature experiences because I have been transformed by everyday wonder. I’d like to share that wonder with you.