The Awe-Inspiring Power of Awe

That’s when the unexpected happens. After a long commute, a few steps up to the door, fumbling the keys out of the bag, and a quick glance at the setting sun, the feeling hits. Awe. The sky is ablaze with color. The great glowing amber sun slowly sinks and fades into the horizon, and the soft hues of a violet-blue night bring the curtain down on another day. Filled with wonder and astonishment, the stress and anxiety melt away in that calming moment.

That moment of awe changed the course. This experience called awe can be a powerful force, and it just might be the key to relieving stress and anxiety. But what else can it do, why does it affect us this way, and how can we get more of it?

What is Awe

Awe is a somewhat complicated emotion. The University of California, Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center defines awe as “the feeling we get in the presence of something vast that challenges our understanding of the world.” It’s a feeling that arises when we come across something in our world that may be incredible, expansive, or even unexpected or an experience that isn’t ordinary to us or our culture. It’s an emotional response to stimuli that may be understood as larger than ourselves and requires an overhaul of one’s mentality in order to process the experience. Awe can also be characterized by feelings of wonder or admiration.

There are two key components of awe . Perceptual vastness is the witnessing stage. In this aspect of awe, the stimulus may be physical such as viewing a towering mountain range for the first time, or it could be conceptual like contemplating an ever-expanding universe. The other component of awe is a need for accommodation. This is when awe pushes us to adjust our mental wiring in order to grasp and catalog the extraordinary experience. Working together, these components of awe leave us with a powerful emotional experience, shifting our perspectives and altering our senses of self.

The Effects of Awe

Many experts have theorized that awe may have played a crucial role in human evolution , providing survival benefits for early humans and been a key factor in our development as a species.

It has amazing effects on both the brain and body. When we experience awe, it can reduce inflammation and lower stress hormones like cortisol, which helps us relax and overcome stress.

In addition, awe boosts the production of oxytocin, the hormone that helps us bond with others, build trust, and feel empathy. So, feeling awe not only calms us down but also makes us feel more connected to the people and the world around us. Strengthening our sense of community and altruism.

It is known for its ability to improve our focus and memory, opens our minds to new possibilities and perspectives as these moments bring an emotional intensity that cements memories more firmly in our minds. And because it leads to a diminished sense of self that leaves us feeling humble and respectful to something greater than ourselves, it adds perspective to view our personal problems in a different light. It could even foster a greater sense of purpose and meaning in our lives, increasing overall life satisfaction.

Common Stimuli of Awe

Awe can be triggered by a wide variety of stimuli depending on one’s culture and background, but scientists generally acknowledge Cal Berkeley’s Dacher Keltner’s research on awe stimuli which he terms as the “8 wonders of awe”.

1/ Moral Beauty of others

Observing acts of kindness, bravery, and selflessness can evoke a deep sense of awe. It warms the heart immediately and reminds us of the potential for goodness within humanity, especially during these hurting times.

2/ Nature

Nature is often a common stimulus of awe as the beauty of natural landscapes like snow-capped mountains, vast oceans, and thick forests are overwhelming and beautiful to the senses. There’s nothing like witnessing the magnificence of nature, making is feel small in the best possible way.

3/ Connection / Collective movement

There’s something really special about seeing people move together in harmony. This can be seen in synchronized dance performances, coordinated sports teams, or even large peaceful protests. The unity and coordination displayed in these collective movements highlight the power of working together towards a common goal.

4/ Music

Music has a unique ability to move us emotionally. A powerful symphony, a touching ballad, or a captivating live performance can all elicit awe. Music can transcend language and cultural barriers, connecting us on a deeply emotional level and leaving us with a sense of wonder.

5/ Art and Visual Design

Like music, the visual arts embody the limitless possibilities conjured out of basic elements like color, shape, line, and texture, and the magic that lies within the messages or expressions created by the works of art.

6/ Spirituality

Many people find awe in spiritual or religious experiences. This can include moments of profound connection during prayer, meditation, or worship, as well as feelings of transcendence and connection to something greater than oneself. These experiences can provide a deep sense of peace and purpose.

7/ Big ideas

Scientific discovery, ‘aha’ moments, and big ideas are also noted experiences that can trigger awe such as learning of the complexities of the universe and opens our minds to new possibilities.

8/ Life Transitions

Life’s most profound moments often occur at its beginning and end. The birth of a child and the passing of a loved one can evoke intense feelings of awe. These experiences remind us of the fragility and preciousness of life, and they can profoundly impact our perspective and values.

Final Thoughts

While we can’t change everything and our days continue to pass in waves of conflict and chaos, we can strive toward seeking out moments of awe in our lives as an antidote to the stress and anxiety of the daily grind. By embracing the wonders around us, whether it be in nature, with art or science, or in our personal lives, we can instill a sense of awe that betters our lives and boosts our physical and mental well-being.

All it takes is a moment. Give yourself one moment to forget about those unread emails or the stack of laundry, disrupt the ordinary, and open your eyes to the extraordinary world around you. Seek out those awe-inspiring moments and remind yourself of the beauty and power of life