It’s commonly known as the ‘wow’ moment, that point in a Deep Time Walk when participants deeply grasp the unfathomable age of Earth, its perfect equilibrium, and the astonishingly recent emergence of the human story. This sensation, variably described as “giddiness”, “dizzyness” and “staggering” is more formally termed “awe”—a profound reverence for a planet that has existed for eons, undergone multiple transformations, and continually adapted and regenerated itself. And this sense of awe, it seems, comes with myriad benefits – shifting our focus from the self to the larger world, fostering feelings of interconnectedness and humility. This expanded mindset has been shown to promote a sense of purpose and meaning in life, as well as a greater appreciation for the beauty and complexity of the world around us. Additionally, awe has been linked to increased positive emotions, such as joy and gratitude, and decreased negative emotions, such as stress and anxiety. Louie Schwartzberg, in his movie ‘gratitude’ frequently speaks about the importance of cultivating awe and gratitude for the Earth and its ecosystems, emphasizing how these experiences can inspire people to care for the environment and live more fulfilling lives.
If you are looking for an afternoon of “wow”, then join me on one of the following journeys through Deep Time:
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