The Gift of Awe

It’s so easy to get used to our surroundings. Over time, the things that once took our breath away can fade into the background — just part of the everyday landscape.

When I first saw the cottonwood tree at Rock Creek, my mouth dropped open. I had never seen anything like it — its size, its strength, the way it stood tall and rooted in the land. I remember standing in absolute awe, amazed by the beauty of this tree.

Now, I live here. I walk past that same cottonwood almost every day. And while I still love it, I’ll admit — it doesn’t always stop me in my tracks the way it once did. It’s become part of my surroundings, something I can sometimes take for granted.

But then, new visitors arrive at Rock Creek ReTreet Center. I watch their faces light up as they see the cottonwood for the first time. I hear the wonder in their voices, the way they gasp and marvel at its size and presence. And in those moments, I’m reminded all over again: this tree is incredible.

Their awe inspires me to remember mine.

Why Awe Matters

Awe has a way of shifting our perspective. It reminds us that the world is bigger, more mysterious, and more beautiful than we often allow ourselves to see. Research even shows that experiencing awe can lower stress, expand empathy, and help us feel more connected to something greater than ourselves.

But awe doesn’t always come from grand, once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Often, it’s right in front of us — in the everyday beauty of a sunrise, a bird’s song, or the way light filters through the trees. The challenge is to notice it.

The cottonwood has taught me that awe is both a gift and a practice. It’s a gift when something unexpected takes our breath away. But it’s also a practice when we choose to slow down, see with fresh eyes, and remember that the ordinary is often extraordinary.

So I ask you: What in your life once inspired awe that you now take for granted? What would it look like to pause this week and notice it again, as if for the first time?

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At Rock Creek ReTreet Center, located between Lincoln and Omaha, we see awe show up every day — in the trees, the sky, the horses at sunrise, and in the faces of people who come here to reconnect with nature.

If you’ve been longing to feel that sense of wonder again, we’d love to welcome you to visit. Come walk the sacred trail, stand beneath the cottonwood, and let yourself be reminded of the gift of awe.

📅 Schedule a tour of the grounds and discover how Rock Creek can help you see the world — and yourself — with fresh eyes.