awe: what it is & where to find it
Awe is one of my favorite emotions to feel,
so much so that I often find myself planning experiences (both big and small) with the intention of experiencing more of it.
some moments that have brought me the most awe:
looking up at the stars in an open beach sky on a clear night
swimming in the ocean
rolling out of bed at 5am to catch a sunrise
seeing my favorite music artists perform live and being brought to tears in a crowd of people all so happy to be experiencing the same thing together
Awe is a positive emotion that:
allows us to be fully present and find joy in any moment
creates an upward spiral of positivity
enhances creativity, learning, and overall wellbeing
can bring a sense of fulfillment and purpose
reduces stress, anxiety, and can foster empathy & connection with others.
encourages openness to opportunities and experiences.
fosters a sense of wonder and gratitude, leading to a more meaningful existence.
takes us out of routine and mundane
where to find awe
in nature: waterfalls, stars, mountains, rainbows, stars, sunsets and other natural phenomena
human experiences like live music, perseverance, acts of kindness & courage, human achievements and meeting new people
art and architecture
athletic feats and competitions
our own bodies - our heart just keeps beating without us even needing to think about it, keeping us alive every day!
everyday life - slow down and look around at what’s around you
This post was largely inspired by Dacher Keltner’s book, Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life. Learn more about awe in Dacher Keltner’s book HERE
