Verities

Awe Walks

Awe Walks, or reflective strolls in nature, are a pilot program recently initiated by San Domenico’s Humanities teacher Aran Levasseur, Director of Sustainability Shelley Flint, and a group of like-minded faculty. The intention is learning to cultivate awe and develop a deeper sense of compassion, joy, and gratitude. The concept springs from the Japanese art of shinrin-yoku, or “forest bathing.” To detach from all technology, to shift one’s attention outward, to reconnect with nature — of which we are a part — and to recognize one’s presence amidst something larger than self is a practice I find exciting and inspiring, especially after spending much of last year indoors and before our screens.

Researchers from prestigious institutions such as UCSF and Harvard have studied the calming effect of an immersion of the five senses out in the woods or forests. To quietly bask in nature, listening to the birds, a running stream, or wind blowing through grasses; observing the gorgeous colors of autumn trees or maybe tasting wild berries — all spark sensitivities one can feel deep within one’s soul. Scientific studies show the positive impact simple outdoor experiences offer for one’s emotional and spiritual well-being as well as the health of one’s brain. Awe Walks can inspire more joy and less stress and cultivate a deeper sense of wonder. Within the School’s pilot program, postings or prompts along nature trails pose reflective questions for students to ponder and to later share what inspired them. For me, the idea of Awe Walks links us to the universal concept of interconnectedness with and respect for all life, as rooted in our School’s Sustainability and Philosophy, Ethics, and World Religions programs and carried through the curriculum and campus practices. Awe Walks remind us we live within the majesty of an ever larger world. With mental health issues and feelings of anxiety growing in our population, it is inspiring to me to know that Awe Walks are now available for our San Domenico students. Once again, SD teachers are at the forefront of testing and discovery. I believe their inspirations have great potential for faculty as well as for students, so I shall keep an eye on the possibilities ahead!

These days I am feeling a sense of awe for all at San Domenico who have managed and created what very few California schools have achieved. San Domenico continues to grow and thrive, as you will note when reading the WASC/CAIS Accreditation report (p. 6). Administration and faculty continue to build a community spirit and strength of purpose that have flown from our Dominican mission of education for 171 years. Surely, a deeper awareness of one’s presence in the grandeur of nature surrounding the campus will advance each person’s desired sense of calm, awe, and appreciation.

In closing, know these thoughts come as my last Verities article, but I shall keep in touch in other ways and write for School Ties as I am inspired to do so. My prayers for each member of the wide and blessed Dominican/ San Domenico community.

Sister M. Gervaise Valpey, O.P., President Emerita