Awestruck

1. Awe: A Powerful, Transformative Emotion

We experience awe when we come across something so vast, so powerful, or so moving that we can’t fully wrap our minds around it.

Awe defined. Awe is the feeling that overwhelms us when we encounter something so vast or profound that it transcends our understanding of the world. It's a unique emotion, distinct from joy or happiness, characterized by a sense of wonder, amazement, and sometimes even a touch of fear. Awe can be triggered by a wide range of experiences, from the grand to the commonplace.

Two key components:

• Vastness: Awe requires an encounter with something that exceeds our current frame of reference, whether physically (like a mountain) or conceptually (like a profound idea).
• Accommodation: Awe forces us to adjust our mindset and worldview to accommodate the new information, leading to a shift in perspective.

Awe's impact. Awe is not just a fleeting feeling; it has the power to transform our lives, making us less stressed, healthier, happier, and more connected to those around us. It's a fundamental human experience that can lead to lasting positive changes.

2. Awe's Roots: Ancient and Evolving

For most of human history, awe was considered strictly within the domain of religion.

Religious origins. Early notions of awe were closely tied to religion, often associated with fear and reverence towards the divine. Ancient Greeks, early Christians, Hindus, and Buddhists all spoke of awe as a way to connect with the divine.

Secularization of awe. During the Age of Enlightenment, thinkers like Edmund Burke and Immanuel Kant began to explore awe beyond the religious context, recognizing that it could be inspired by nature, art, and other human experiences. This shift led to a more secular and democratic understanding of awe.

Modern understanding. Today, awe is understood as a universal human emotion that can be found in a wide range of experiences, from the everyday to the extraordinary. It's no longer seen as solely a religious or spiritual experience but as a fundamental part of the human experience.

3. Why We Feel Awe: Connection, Kindness, Curiosity

Awe may have “helped enable people to fold cooperatively into complex social groups, to quiet the voice of self-interest, and to feel a sense of reverence for the collective.”

Social connection. Awe strengthens our social bonds by shifting our focus outward rather than inward, making us feel more connected to others and to something larger than ourselves. It promotes cooperation and a sense of communal purpose.

Generosity and kindness. Awe inspires us to act with greater kindness and compassion towards others, making us more altruistic and less concerned with materialism. It prompts us to help those in need and to prioritize the well-being of others.

Curiosity and exploration. Awe fosters a sense of curiosity about the world, driving us to explore new possibilities and seek out new knowledge. It motivates us to learn more about the universe and our place within it.

4. Awe's Benefits: Health, Happiness, and More

Awe-inspiring experiences can make us happier, help us to feel more connected to others, and lead us to act with greater kindness.

Increased happiness and life satisfaction. Awe has been shown to improve our mood and increase our overall satisfaction with life. It can provide a lasting boost to our well-being, even weeks after the experience.

Reduced materialism. Awe shifts our focus away from material possessions and towards more meaningful experiences, making us less concerned with consumerism and more appreciative of the non-material aspects of life.

Reduced stress and expanded time. Awe can reduce our stress levels and give us an expanded sense of time, making us feel less rushed and more present in the moment. It helps us to feel like we have more time, even though the clock hasn't changed.

5. Awe's Physical Impact: Brain and Body

Awe, it appears, is the rare sort of experience that can truly transform our lives.

Anti-inflammatory effects. Awe has been linked to lower levels of inflammation in the body, suggesting a powerful impact on our physical health. It can help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases and improve our overall well-being.

Brain activity changes. Awe activates regions of the brain associated with interpersonal bonding and the release of oxytocin, while deactivating areas linked to self-centeredness and rumination. It helps us to feel more connected to others and less focused on our own worries.

Nervous system response. Awe activates both the parasympathetic nervous system (relaxation) and parts of the sympathetic nervous system (alertness), creating a unique physiological state. It's a rare combination of calm and excitement.

6. The Dark Side of Awe: Fear and Terror

Although the world is full of suffering, it is full also of the overcoming of it.

Negative awe experiences. Awe can also be triggered by negative experiences, such as natural disasters or acts of violence, leading to feelings of fear, dread, and even terror. These experiences can be deeply unsettling and even traumatic.

Altruism from negative awe. Even negative awe experiences can inspire altruism and a desire to help others. When we witness suffering, it can motivate us to reach out and offer support to those in need.

Importance of balance. While positive awe experiences are beneficial, it's important to acknowledge the darker side of awe and to recognize that not all awe-inspiring moments are pleasant or positive. It's a complex emotion with both light and shadow.

7. Cultivating Awe: Mindfulness and Presence

The invariable mark of wisdom is to see the miraculous in the common.

Mindfulness as a foundation. Mindfulness, or present-moment awareness, is crucial for experiencing awe. By slowing down and paying attention to our surroundings, we can open ourselves up to the wonder that exists all around us.

Sensory immersion. Engaging our senses—sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch—can help us to fully immerse ourselves in the present moment and to appreciate the beauty and wonder of the world. It's about truly seeing, hearing, and feeling what's happening around us.

Lingering and slowing down. Rushing through life can cause us to miss opportunities for awe. By lingering a bit longer and slowing down, we can create space for awe to emerge and to fully appreciate the moment.

8. Awe in Nature: Our Primary Muse

In the woods, we return to reason and faith.

Nature as a source of awe. Nature is a powerful source of awe, offering countless opportunities to experience wonder and amazement. From forests to mountains to oceans, the natural world can inspire us in profound ways.

Forest bathing. The practice of "forest bathing" involves intentionally immersing ourselves in nature, using our senses to connect with our surroundings. It's a simple yet powerful way to reduce stress and cultivate awe.

Mountains and oceans. Mountains and oceans, with their vastness and power, are particularly effective at eliciting awe. They remind us of our small place in the larger world and inspire a sense of reverence.

9. Awe from Vastness: Space and Scale

Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.

Space and the cosmos. The vastness of space and the universe can be a powerful source of awe, reminding us of the infinite scale of the cosmos and our place within it. Looking at the stars can be a humbling and awe-inspiring experience.

The Earth from space. Images of the Earth from space, such as "the Blue Marble," can evoke a sense of awe and wonder, reminding us of the beauty and fragility of our planet. It's a perspective that can change our view of the world.

Scale of life. Reflecting on the sheer scale of life on Earth, from the smallest microorganisms to the largest whales, can inspire a sense of awe and wonder. It's a reminder of the incredible diversity and complexity of the natural world.

10. Awe from Inspiration: Courage and Greatness

Awe is the best of man.

Courage and resilience. Witnessing acts of courage and resilience can inspire a powerful sense of awe, reminding us of the strength and potential of the human spirit. It's about seeing people overcome adversity and achieve greatness.

Leadership and compassion. Acts of leadership and compassion can also evoke awe, inspiring us to be better versions of ourselves and to make a positive difference in the world. It's about seeing people act with kindness and integrity.

Genius and creativity. The genius and creativity of artists, scientists, and other innovators can inspire awe, reminding us of the power of human ingenuity and imagination. It's about seeing the world in new and innovative ways.

11. Awe from Timelessness: History and Perspective

Look at everything always as though you were seeing it either for the first or last time: Thus is your time on earth filled with glory.

Geologic time. Reflecting on the vastness of geologic time, the long history of the Earth, can inspire a sense of awe and wonder. It's about seeing our lives in the context of billions of years.

Historical sites. Visiting historical sites and walking in the footsteps of those who came before us can evoke a sense of timeless awe, connecting us to our shared past and reminding us of the continuity of human experience.

The passing of seasons. Observing the changing seasons and the cycles of nature can inspire a sense of awe, reminding us of the impermanence of life and the beauty of the natural world. It's about seeing the world in a constant state of change.

12. Awe through Gratitude: Appreciation and Wonder

Gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter everyday epiphanies, those transcendent moments of awe that change forever how we experience life and the world.

Gratitude for the ordinary. Cultivating gratitude for the ordinary things in life—our bodies, our homes, our relationships—can open us up to a sense of awe and wonder. It's about appreciating the gifts that we often take for granted.

Ripple effects of kindness. Reflecting on the ripple effects of our actions and the ways in which our kindness can touch the lives of others can inspire a sense of awe and connection. It's about seeing the impact of our actions on the world.

Expressing thanks. Expressing gratitude to those who have helped us along the way can be a powerful way to cultivate awe and to strengthen our relationships. It's about acknowledging the contributions of others to our lives.

Last updated: January 27, 2025