Where Awe Lives: A Healing Journey Through Moab & Arches
We came to Moab for the views. We left with a clearer mind, fuller hearts—and more hope for our children.
This trip wasn’t just about red rocks and trail maps. It was an intentional break from the digital noise, inspired by my recent read, The Anxious Generation by social psychologist Jonathan Haidt.
In his powerful book, Haidt outlines what he calls the “Great Rewiring”—a dramatic cultural shift in childhood driven by screen dependence, social media, and declining outdoor play. He describes how kids today are experiencing fewer rites of passage, less independence, and skyrocketing rates of anxiety, depression, and self-harm.
I couldn’t stop thinking about this as we packed our Monos suitcases and loaded up our NOBL carry-ons. This iPad-free, nature-rich trip wasn’t just a vacation—it was a test. A chance to see what happens when we give our kids wide-open skies instead of screens. Unstructured time instead of scrolling. Real adventure instead of digital distraction.
What we found was awe.
Why Awe Heals
Awe is the feeling we get when we encounter something bigger than ourselves—vast, beautiful, or mysterious enough to quiet the inner monologue and connect us to the present. Nature is especially potent for this.
Research shows that experiencing awe in nature reduces stress, improves well-being, and enhances mood and emotional regulation. In both kids and adults, awe builds psychological resilience. It expands our sense of time, increases generosity, and fosters connection with others.
In studies with veterans, at-risk youth, and healthcare workers, awe in nature helped reframe stressors and boost hope—even amidst trauma or chronic illness. Awe doesn’t fix everything, but it changes the lens. It softens what’s hard.
Moab: Our Family Itinerary
Sunday:
Arrival in Canyonlands. Stayed at Springhill Suites Moab—family suite and location were perfect. Dinner, pool, and simple presence.
Monday (Rainy Day)
We headed to Moab Giants—a surprisingly sweet indoor spot for dino-curious kids. Rain slowed us down, which turned out to be a gift. We wandered the quiet town on foot. No plan. Just together.
Tuesday: Awe Unleashed
5-hour rockaneering tour with Moab Cliffs and Canyons—climbing, rappelling, hiking, laughing, almost crying. I’m scared of heights and it is good to be invigorated (a.k.a. terrified) sometimes. Our guide Rob was fantastic.
Later: Highpoint Hummer Sunset Tour with guide Cayman—pure desert magic with a side of pure off-roading fear..
Wednesday: Arches + Stargazing
Slow hiking in Arches National Park, letting the kids lead. The Windows were incredible, we saw Delicate Arch from a viewpoint (next time we’ll do the 7 mile hike!) and our kids’ favorite was definitely sliding and building sandcastles in Sand Dune Arch. Our stargazing tour was canceled, but we went anyway—and holy DIY. The stars were dazzling. Awe doesn't need a reservation.
Gear We Loved
Luggage & Travel Essentials:
Monos Check-In Suitcase – beautiful and efficient
NOBL Carry-On – fits everything, rolls easily, fits above, drink holder and laptop pocket with charger
Underseat Rolling Carry-On – surprisingly roomy and actually fits underseat
Packing Cubes – essential for keeping kid gear sorted
For the Kids:
Packable Kids Water-Resistant Jacket – perfect for Moab and travel anywhere chilly
Lightweight Binoculars – used for everything from birds to stars to rocks - literally my son looked at everything with these
My Wellness Kit (my kids call is my “Super Mommy pouch”):
Miralax
Ibuprofen (for kids & adults)
Tums
Children’s Dramamine
Bandaids
Liquid IV
Awe, Not Apps
Our kids didn’t ask for screens once.
They chased birds. They scrambled over rocks. They got tired and scraped and curious. They found joy. They found awe.
And I found more than what I hoped for. I saw firsthand that what Jonathan Haidt describes is real—but so is the antidote. Give kids space to play outside, give them unstructured time, let them feel capable and just a little wild—and their anxiety softens. Their creativity returns. They come back to life.
So do we.
Ready to Wander?
You don’t need to go far. Awe lives in the wind, in the trees, in your child’s wonder. But if you do head to Moab, or anywhere wide and wild—I hope this inspires you to go slower. Leave the iPads. Take the stars.
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