The “Small Self” Secret: Why I Swapped Atlanta Traffic for Tennessee “Awe Walking”

Last April, I made a life-changing move. I traded the never-ending hum of Atlanta- the screech of brakes, the 4:00 AM thunder of store dumpsters being emptied, and the constant urban noise- for the rolling woods of rural Tennessee.

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While I anticipated the peace, I didn’t expect the biological shift. As someone with a full-time career and a calendar full of interests, I’m used to a “busy” brain. But in these woods, I discovered I was participating in a new trend without knowing it – Awe Walking. It isn’t just a stroll; it’s a scientifically backed way to recalibrate the aging nervous system.

Even now, with the woods locked in ice and the ground blanketed in snow, the “awe” hasn’t faded. There is a specific kind of magic in the way a Tennessee winter silences the world even more, turning familiar trees into crystal sculptures. It’s a reminder that wonder doesn’t hibernate; we just have to dress for it!

What is Awe Walking?

Most of us were raised to “power walk” for heart health, tracking our heart rate and hitting step goals. Awe walking flips the script. Instead of looking down at a watch, you look outward at the world.

The goal is to shift into what researchers call the “Small Self.” When we encounter something impressive or unexpected, a hawk catching a thermal or the beauty of a wild fern, for instance, our own stresses and “to-do” lists suddenly feel smaller and more manageable.

It’s Not About the Cardio

In the city, walking is a task. You’re dodging cracks in the sidewalk, checking your watch, and trying to hit that 10,000-step goal. But out here? The goal isn’t the workout; it’s the “wow.”

Scientists call it “Awe Walking,” but I just call it looking up! It’s the practice of shifting your focus away from your own head and out toward the world.

When I’m walking through the woods now, I’m not thinking about my inbox or my joints. I’m looking for the flash of a bluebird, or trying to spot a new wildflower poking through the leaves. It’s a shift from the “Big Me” (my chores, my deadlines, my worries) to the “Small Me.” And guess what? Being “small” actually feels like a huge relief.

The Sounds of Silence (Actually)

The biggest change hasn’t been what I see, but what I don’t hear. Instead of sirens, I hear the wind through the pines. Instead of the neighbor’s leaf blower, I hear a pileated woodpecker hammering away.

For those of us “of a certain age,” our nervous systems have been on high alert for decades. We’ve spent years filtering out the noise of urban life. When you finally stop filtering and start noticing, something in your brain clicks into place. It’s like a “reset” button for a busy mind.

How to Find Your Own “Awe”

You don’t have to move to the middle of nowhere to do this. You just have to change how you look at your neighborhood:

Ditch the headphones. If you’re listening to a podcast, you’re still in your own head. Listen to the world instead.

Look for the “vast.” Gaze at the horizon or the way the light hits the tops of the trees.

Look for the “tiny.” See the frost on a blade of grass or the way a spider has spun a web between two porch rails.

Take your time, go slow, and look, really look, at the natural world around you.

Why It Matters

Even with a full-time job and a busy life, I’ve realized that 15 minutes of being “wowed” by nature does more for my energy than an hour of power walking ever did. It turns out that the best thing for a busy brain isn’t more activity, it’s more wonder.

Gear To Consider

For your “awe walks”, the right gear can help you feel more stable on the forest floor and help you “zoom in” on those birds and plants you’ve been spotting.

Since you are transitioning from city walking to woods walking, here are some recommendations tailored for comfort and stability on uneven terrain.

Reliable Trail Footwear

In the woods, you need more traction than a standard city sneaker. Look for shoes with a “lugged” sole to grip roots and leaves, and a wider toe box to help with balance.

Merrell Moab Hiking Shoes: Known as the “mother of all boots,” these are famous for out-of-the-box comfort. They offer great arch support and a grippy Vibram sole that is perfect for trails.

Rykia Karma Trail Walking Shoes: These are designed specifically for a woman’s foot shape. They feature extra heel cushioning and a “TreadTech” lug sole for traction on dirt paths.

Walking Aid

Cascade Mountain Trekking Hiking Pole These poles are lightweight, taking up to 225 pounds, are easy to adjust, and they work well on uneven terrain.

Stop and See the Awe

Nikon ACULON T02 Compact Binoculars A portable design that fits comfortably in your hand, backpack, or pocket.

Take A Walk On The Quiet Side

If you’re feeling a bit cluttered upstairs, try an Awe Walk. Leave the step-counter at home and just go see what you can find. You don’t have to move to the hills of Tennessee. Slowly walk around your neighbourhood, find your nearest park, or put a short hike on a nearby trail on your calendar. The beauty of nature awaits!

Source: UCSF Study: ‘Awe Walks’ Boost Emotional Well-Being

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