Nature is 'awe'some

Guanacos grazing along Laguna Azul, with the Torres on the horizon, Parque Nacional Torres del Paine, Chile.

There actually is an entire literature out there considering the relationship between nature, and outdoor experiences, and the physical and mental health of people.  And the research makes it clear, being in nature, as often as possible, is good for you, very good for you.  Also, other studies have pointed out something related, how a sense of awe, often only experienced in nature, also relates to physical and mental well-being.  Being in 'awe' is good for you, very good for you.  I have frequently told others that physical exercise is the closest thing to a health panacea that we have.  Now, add 'awe'.  Experiencing awe, that complex emotion and that experience, of wonderment, of surprise, of impressiveness, of, just wow, especially in the natural world is good for one's mental and physical health.  So, get out there, experience the wonder and 'awe' that is nature, the physical (including geological and hydrological), chemical and biological world which surrounds us, and feel good, very good.  Some 'awe inspiring' photos follow.

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