Why You Need to Experience More Awe

You need to experience more awe and intentionally cultivate the mindful practice of finding awe to improve your overall well-being.

Dear Spirited Earthling,

What single word can aptly convey the complex blend of emotions inspired by nature's grandeur, the soul-stirring melodies, or art that reaches the core of your being? How could we define the overwhelming joy that brings tears to your eyes? That word is awe.

Feeling awe is a powerful emotion that is often experienced in response to something that is vast, inspiring, or humbling. We often feel a sense of wonder and amazement, and we think more deeply about life. This feeling can be triggered by a variety of things, such as witnessing a natural wonder, experiencing an act of kindness, or contemplating the mysteries of the universe. This feeling reminds us of our place in the world and connects us to something larger than ourselves.

“The most beautiful emotion we can experience is the mysterious. It is the power of all true art and science. He to whom this emotion is a stranger, who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead.” ~ Albert Einstein

How to Describe Awe

Dacher Keltner, Ph.D., was a guest on episode 219 of Diary of a CEO (Spotify, YouTube) where he spoke about his research on awe. This post touches on what he spoke about, as well as his published literature. In a published paper, Keltner and co-authors describe awe as:

(1)   a feeling stimulated by “information-rich stimuli” and not the expectation of material or societal reward (which would elicit feelings of happiness or joy),

(2)   a feeling that emphasises the vastness or greatness of the outside world (e.g., when you feel ‘small’ looking at the full moon) and is therefore focused on the stimulus rather than focusing on the self and making you feel ‘bigger’,

(3)   a state associated with the need for intellectual space, in that individuals who experience awe often are more willing to change mental thoughts and processes.

“Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them.” ~ Marcus Aurelius

Happiness and Awe are Different

Happiness is felt when interacting with loved ones at a social event. Happiness is felt when receiving a gift. Happiness is shown in a smile, it is a common gesture to signal happiness.

Awe is felt when experiencing panoramic views of the natural world, listening to moving music, and viewing works of art. The feeling of awe felt in these environments makes people want to return to these information-rich stimuli.

Awe is felt without the social aspect of happiness, and isn’t inextricably linked to smiling. There is no material reward with awe.

“People experience awe two to three times a week. That’s once every couple of days. They did so in finding the extraordinary in the ordinary: a friend’s generosity to a homeless person in the streets; the scent of a flower; looking at a leafy tree’s play of light and shadow on a sidewalk; hearing a song that transported them back to a first love; bingeing Game of Thrones with friends. Everyday awe.” ~ Dacher Keltner

To Feel Awe is to be aware of Something Greater Than Yourself

When we experience awe, we often feel a sense of wonder and amazement that may shift our perspective on the world. Awe can be both humbling and uplifting, as it reminds us of our place in the world and connects us to something larger than ourselves.

Think of when you have been in nature and the greatness of a natural wonder makes you feel small. When visiting America’s Grand Canyon and Africa’s Great Rift Valley, you are standing in, or overlooking massive chasms formed an eternity ago. Looking up at the starry sky you may feel small lying on one continent, on one of the several planets in our solar system, in the Local Interstellar Cloud, part of the spiral Milky Way Galaxy, in the known universe.

Being in nature connects you to the world you’re living in and makes you more aware of the presence of something greater than yourself.

“Awe is the feeling of being in the presence of something vast that transcends your current understanding of the world.” ~ Dacher Keltner

Awe Makes You Want to Change Your Life

Experiences of awe are inspiring and awaken something spiritual in us. Spiritual growth can influence you to make changes to your everyday life, whether it is physical or mental changes. You feel more connected to nature, the Earth, others, the universe, and the divine.

Research shows that experiencing awe can have a range of positive effects on our well-being, including increasing feelings of connectedness, improving our mood, and even boosting our immune system. So, if you're feeling awe, try to savour the experience and allow yourself to fully appreciate the wonder of the moment.

Walk mindfully and barefoot in nature. Look at the starry sky. Visit naturally inspiring places. Travel and see more of the world. Watch the sunrise and sunset. Admire the intricacy of a bird’s nest or spider’s web. Listen to music that speaks to your soul. Look at art that inspires you. Be curious. Be present.

“Stay in awe of life. The little things are the big things. Awareness is a fundamental shift in personal identity and experiencing your world with joy.” ~ Richie Norton

Is awe a feeling, or is it a mindful practice?

Awe can be both a feeling and a mindful practice. While awe is principally a feeling that happens instinctively in response to particular experiences, you can also nurture a mindful practice of awe by intentionally looking for and appreciating the natural wonders around us.

Spirited Earthling is more than just a blog – it's a gathering place for kindred spirits drawn by an interest in self-discovery, the appeal of self-care, and a desire for a deeper connection to the world. Written and created for curious minds and spiritual hearts seeking meaning in everyday life, this blog aims to help you curate your wholesome personal growth with free weekly ideas and affordable resources for sale.

As you navigate your personal growth journey using the words and ideas shared here, consider sharing this blog with someone looking for inspiration or motivation on their own journey. We are all spirited earthlings, and can lift each other together with mindful, connected living.

Thank you for being part of this community..

Best wishes, warmest regards

Jordan

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