I had been to Yellowstone National Park two times in May 2018 and May 2019. Both times I wanted to see Grand Prismatic Spring, which is the third-largest spring in the world. The spring is 370 feet in diameter and 121 feet deep. It is very hot, bright and colorful. The color is due to microbial mats of heat-loving archaea (single-celled, bacteria-e organisms), with different species congregating at different temperatures and forming the spring’s outer rainbow hues. On both trips, I settled for walking around the spring (on a boardwalk) without getting much of a sense of what Grand Prismatic looked like. In September 2021, I returned and had to chance to hike to the overlook. I was speechless; I returned multiple times on different days / times. On my next trip to Yellowstone National Park, I'll be back to see this wonder! -- Andrea G., Chicago, IL

I feel the most in awe when I am in nature. Over the summer, I had the pleasure of traveling to Greece. When I was on the island of Santorini, my partner and I hiked from one city to another. The hike was challenging in the July heat, but the views we saw made it beyond worth it. I don't think I have ever seen more beautiful views in my entire life. The water was a stunning shade of blue and it shone in the sunlight. From our high vantage point, we could see the lines that the sailboats made on the water and islands miles away. I was overcome by gratitude for our beautiful world and for the privilege of traveling to see other parts of it. -- Emily B., New York, NY

I am lucky enough to live in the country where I enjoy all kinds of flora and fauna - especially native plants, birds, and butterflies. Last week, just before the high holidays, a hummingbird flew up to me and hovered just beyond an arm's length away. It seemed to look me right in the eye. This happened twice, once on my back deck, near where I provide nectar, and again in my vegetable garden, where there are many flowers in bloom. To be that close to the elusive little bird was truly magical. I think Leonard Cohen knew how I felt. -- Laura B., Highland Lakes, NJ

I took a trip of a lifetime to South Africa in November of 2011. There was awe on almost a daily basis. From the top of Table Mountain to the tip of Good Hope. Looking out it was almost as if you could see the hand of Adonai and all the wondrous creations. The animals along the way made your mouth drop on a daily basis. While looking out from Table Mountain you could also see Robbin Island where Nelson Mandela was held and could not but be in awe of his life and his strength being captive but also having forgiveness in his heart. -- Gayle F., Edgewater, NJ

My husband and I were fortunate to travel to many places, many of them in natural settings. I felt awe at the edge of the Grand Canyon, looking across the vast expanse that the Colorado River had carved out, or at the huge towering rock formations at Zion National Park that make you feel so small. Or stargazing out west and actually seeing the Milky Way without a telescope. The giant redwoods of California are awe-inspiring in their enormity and years on this planet. Touching a 2,000 pound gray whale in Magdalena Bay, Baja California and looking into its eye was the most awesome of moment of all. At those moments, I truly believe in a Higher Power. -- Deborah N., Belle Mead, NJ