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AYA Walk Is Chickasaw History
The History of AYA in Three Simple Ingredients Once the idea for AYA was born, the AYA team came together to achieve the vision of encouraging...
3 min read
AYA Walk Team
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Thu, Apr 25, 2024
Have you stopped to take in the beauty of a sunset, smiled at the joyful innocence of a child or been moved by the notes of a song you heard? When caught by the beauty and splendor of a place or a moment, you experience awe, and studies show that awe is good for you.
"Awe is beneficial for health and well-being" (Monroy, et al., 2023).
"Awe is beneficial for health and well-being" (Monroy, et al., 2023). Research has shown that allowing ourselves to experience a sense of awe because of something we have seen, heard or experienced takes us out of ourselves and helps us feel less stress, anxiety and depression. When we can alleviate stress, it has a positive effect. It can include a variety of benefits, including a stronger immune system, less inflammation, better mental clarity and focus and overall well-being. Even brief experiences of feeling awe can have a positive impact on both mental and physical health.
Researchers identify awe as the feeling that may be "experienced through encounters with other people's courage and kindness, nature, collective gatherings (dance, rituals and ceremonies), music, visual art, religious and spiritual practice, epiphanies, and birth and death" (Monroy, et al., 2023). These types of experiences contribute to other positive emotions and attitudes. It helps us to think about things other than the worries and anxieties that often fill our daily lives, and the ability to dwell less on negatives helps improve our overall well-being.
One study has identified five distinct ways that awe benefits physical and mental health:
Monroy & Keltner, D., Awe as a Pathway to Mental and Physical Health, 2023
Interestingly, the research shows that awe-filled experiences in nature have been shown to result in a lowered tendency to ruminate on negative experiences and a reduction of stress and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in individuals who were exhibiting those symptoms (Monroy, et al., 2023). Nature is strongly associated with at least four areas contributing to improved health and well-being: improved air quality, increased physical activity, increased social interaction and reduced stress (Hartig, Mitchell, de Vries, & Frumkin, 2014).
A study with 60 older adults who went on a weekly 15-minute outdoor walk for eight weeks showed that those who experienced awe during their walk reported increased positive emotions and desire to help others and decreased daily distress (Sturm, et al., 2022). The "awe walks" showed the potential to have significant positive effects on mental and physical well-being.
Going for a walk with an AYA partner on your favorite nature trail is a fabulous way to increase your experience of awe.
Going for a walk with an AYA partner on your favorite nature trail is a fabulous way to increase your experience of awe. You will have the benefits of the awe-filled experience of walking in nature, and you will have the ability to be awed by the stories, words, prayers and songs you unlock in AYA as you walk. Learning about Chickasaw culture, history and heritage will fill you with awe of the unconquered and unconquerable Chickasaw people.
If you are not an AYA user, download the app and start walking with us today. If you are already an AYA user, be sure you are getting the most out of your fitness journey with us by using all the features in the app. You can find out about all AYA’s features and answer questions about how the app works by visiting AYAWalk.com.
Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated with the latest additions and features on the app and exciting challenges within the AYA community. Be part of a growing network of individuals dedicated to their fitness journey and exploring Chickasaw culture.
Make your fitness journey more successful by walking every day with AYA.
Anowa chipisala'cho (until we meet again),
Your AYA Team
The AYA Walk App is a one-of-a-kind step counter that offers an exciting way to discover captivating narratives as you go about your daily routine.
The word "AYA" originates from the Chickasaw language and signifies "to go; to journey." As you take steps towards improving your fitness, AYA Walk accompanies you on this adventure, guiding you through time and unlocking stories from the past.
Along the way, you will stumble upon hidden treasures rooted in Chickasaw heritage, discover historical paths that unveil the secrets of the past, and have the chance to listen to stories about significant cultural landmarks.
AYA Walk celebrates more than just physical well-being; it also fosters a renewed connection to a healthier lifestyle. By engaging with this innovative step tracker, you'll improve your fitness and gain a deeper appreciation for the stories surrounding us.
Download AYA Walk today!
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