One of the most significant gifts my dear mother, Mary Alice Bell, gave me was the importance of cultivating awe and wonder in life. I cherish countless memories of us reveling in the beauty of nature—excitedly observing animals in our backyard, staying up late to watch shooting stars streak across the night sky, and being moved to tears by music that resonated deeply within us. She deeply felt this emotion and invited me into that sacred space of being in the presence of something vast that transcends your understanding of the world.
As a self-proclaimed “awe enthusiast,” I actively seek out ways to experience this complex emotion and share it with loved ones. This feeling of being overwhelmed by something larger than the self can be spiritually enriching, reminding us that we are not in control and to trust in the unfolding mystery of our lives. Recently, while in northern Minnesota, I was awestruck by the Milky Way and the Aurora Borealis illuminating the silent night sky. It was a breathtaking moment, that blew me wide open, brought me to my knees, tears streaming down my face in gratitude for simply being alive. The experience was indescribable yet I felt it profoundly in my body.
According to Dr. Keltner, author of Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life, awe is critical to our well-being. His research suggests it has health benefits that include calming down our nervous system and triggering the release of oxytocin, the “love” hormone that promotes trust and bonding. Dr. Keltner found that awe activates the vagal nerves, clusters of neurons in the spinal cord that regulate various bodily functions. This activation slows our heart rate, relieves digestion, deepens breathing, and quiets our inner critic.
Further research from Greater Good Magazine states that experiences of awe may have long-term beneficial effects on our minds, bodies, and social connections. Some of these benefits include:
- Awe feels good: Not only does awe inspire wonder, but it also triggers a cascade of other positive emotions, such as joy and gratitude, which are linked to improved health and well-being.
- Awe encourages curiosity and creativity: People who experience awe tend to show more interest in abstract paintings, for example, and persist longer at challenging puzzles.
- Awe fosters generosity: It encourages us to help others even when it costs us.
- Awe offers perspective: By making us feel smaller, it helps us gain clarity about our place in the world.
- Awe is linked to better physical health: Awe-prone people show lower levels of a biomarker (IL-6) that reduces their risk of cardiovascular disease, depression, and autoimmune disease.
- Awe expands our sense of time: It allows us to immerse ourselves in the present moment, freeing us from our everyday, mundane concerns.
- Awe sharpens our brains: It enhances critical thinking and cognitive function.
To help you cultivate more awe in your daily life, consider these simple activities:
- Awe Video: Quickly induce feelings of awe by watching nature videos.
- Awe Story: Read a story about someone who inspires you.
- Awe Walk: Turn off your cell phone, take a slow walk, and mindfully notice the natural world around you and feel your connection to it.
- Awe Music: Listen to soul-stirring music and dance like no one is watching!
- Awe Goodness: Observe acts of kindness around you, such as someone helping an elderly person cross the street, which makes us feel better and inspires us to perform good deeds.
- Awe Space: Pay attention to the lunar calendar or other celestial objects in their various phases, deepening your connection to the universe.
Embracing awe enriches our lives and connects us more deeply with ourselves and each other. Let’s celebrate the wonders surrounding us and cultivate a sense of awe daily!
Harmonically Yours,
Sarah