Is Cultivating A Sense of Awe and Wonder the Key to a More Fulfilling Life?

Do you recall the last time you felt awe? Can you remember the sensation of your heart swelling? Can you relive the sudden realization of being part of something greater?

Awe is a powerful emotion that has the ability to deeply impact our psychological and emotional well-being. It is a complex feeling that often arises in response to something vast, striking, or extraordinary.

When we experience awe, whether through witnessing a breathtaking natural landscape, listening to a moving piece of music, or contemplating the vastness of the universe, we are filled with a sense of wonder and amazement. This profound emotion not only captivates us in the moment but also leaves a lasting impact on our overall mood and outlook on life.

Research has shown that experiencing awe can lead to an instant mood boost, lifting our spirits and bringing a sense of joy and positivity. It also has the power to shift our focus away from ourselves and our daily concerns and by doing so, it allows us to feel connected to something greater than ourselves. Moreover, awe can provide us with an enhanced sense of meaning and purpose. This is because when we are in a state of awe, we are reminded of the beauty and complexity of the world around us, and it prompts us to reflect on our place in the grand scheme of things, which can lead to a deeper appreciation for life, a greater sense of gratitude, and a renewed perspective on our values and priorities.

In essence, awe serves as a reminder of the wonders that exist in the world and the limitless possibilities that surround us. By opening ourselves up to experiences that evoke awe and wonder in our daily lives, we enrich our existence and foster a greater sense of fulfillment and happiness.

Keltner and Haidt (2003) conducted a study that delved into the intricate nature of awe, and they uncovered two distinct features that characterize this profound emotion. Awe, as they discovered, is not merely a fleeting sensation but a complex state of mind that encompasses a sense of wonder and a feeling of being in the presence of something greater than oneself.

1. Perceived vastness - The first feature of awe identified by Keltner and Haidt is the overwhelming feeling of astonishment and admiration that arises when encountering something vast, grand, or transcendent.

2. A need for accommodation - The second aspect of awe identified by Keltner and Haidt often involves a sense of humility and admiration in the face of the extraordinary and it makes us feel that we are part of something bigger than ourselves and it prompts us to modify our understanding of the world or situations, of ourselves, and/or of other people.

Keltner and Haidt (2003) also discovered that awe can be induced by different experiences such as exceptional beauty, exceptional ability, exceptional virtue, or the supernatural.

Are you ready to get a mood boost, to unleash your creativity? to feel connected to something bigger than yourself? I invite you to start by creating more opportunities to experience awe in your daily life!

For example:

1. Watch a beautiful sunset/sunrise

2. Get out of the city and look at the night sky

3. Choose a scenic route instead of the highway

4. Immerse yourself in a crowd of people at a parade

5. Hike or have a picnic in nature

6. Go to a big music concert/show

7. Pay attention to exceptional goodness in people

8. Look at an impressively tall building

9. Pray

10. Find meaning in ordinary things

11. Look at pictures that spark awe

12. Listen to music that sparks awe (and create a playlist for future use)

This practice is based on the following research:

Keltner, D., & Haidt, J. (2003). Approaching awe, a moral, spiritual, and aesthetic emotion. Cognition and Emotion, 17(2), 297–314. https://doi.org/10.1080/02699930302297

Fredrickson, B. (2009). Positivity: Groundbreaking research reveals how to embrace the hidden strength of positive emotions, overcome negativity, and thrive. Crown Publishers/Random House.