I recall the first Earth Day 54 years ago. My school celebrated with its first school-wide cleanup.

Today, if you wanted to attend a cleanup in this area, you’d find dozens of organized events during Earth Month and that’s great.

Less great is the fact that today’s omnipresent mobile devices are robbing us of “awe moments.”

Let me explain. When I was a kid, I recall summer afternoons of exploration in our neighborhood or at my grandparents’ farm. We’d build spaceships or tree houses out of scraps of lumber. We’d gather eggs or herd dairy cows to pasture.

Climbing a tree or managing 28 cows were indeed awe-inspiring moments. I wonder if children growing up today experiencing hours of screen time are getting enough “awe time.” And, if not, how do we change that?

How about a weekly awe walk? It might improve your day, and even improve your mood. On my awe walks, I watch for the unusual and usually make small discoveries — a bird’s nest, spider web, a sapling in the crack of a rock or sidewalk. Just 15 minutes of slowing the pace of my day and getting outdoors leaves me refreshed and calmer.

Studies show that I’m not special. Taking time to feel a moment of wonder is good for physical and mental health. It can increase one’s critical thinking, “clearing our mind.” And we actually become more generous and compassionate people.

We are lucky to be surrounded by more awe than most areas in the country. The other day I was treated to a bald eagle a stone’s throw away from a great blue heron along Prospect Lake. Most of us see deer on a regular basis, but newborn fawns, sporting their spots, can still create awe. Hummingbirds zipping along a trail, bighorn sheep lounging in Garden of the Gods, the first wildflowers of spring are all awe moments.

Cleanups are a great way to show gratitude for these gifts of nature during Earth Day and Earth Month. At the same time, I would encourage you to do something for yourself. Take time for awe.

Davies is the executive director of the Trails and Open Space Coalition.