Slide into Awe
Last week on the longest day of the year, at Slide Ranch we faced west and watched the last rays of sun fall below the ocean, guiding us into vast summer solstice darkness. Folks laughed, cheered, danced in rhythm together, held each other, and let go. The experience brought joy, connectedness, lightness, and for some, awe.
According to awe researcher Dacher Keltner, “It is hard to imagine a single thing you can do that is better for your body and mind than finding awe outdoors. Doing so leads to the reduced likelihood of cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, diabetes, depression, anxiety, and cancer.” Keltner continues, “When our need for wild awe is satisfied, we fare better, and when it is thwarted, we suffer in mind and body.”
Keltner’s research shows that being in nature and collective movement (think dancing!) both inspire “collective effervescence”, a term coined by French socialist Emile Durkheim, and boost overall well being.
This year at Slide, we expanded our programming with Slide into Awe to create opportunities to experience phenomena larger than ourselves at a time where our community tells us it is as needed as ever.
Get a look into the solstice revery below and stay tuned for future silent disco dates. Be the first to know by joining our mailing list.
P.S. We just released our upcoming workshops and Fall Family Farm Days - join us on the Ranch!
