Not only awesome, but good for you

When did you last feel awe? 

Awe is a wonderful thing. It can make us feel a bit small, but also part of something bigger, giving us a sense of meaning in life. It’s not only an incredible feeling in the moment, but grows qualities that add to our wellness. 

Perhaps you’ve had a sense of awe watching mind-blowing performances at the Olympics. I’ve recently been lucky enough to spend days contemplating astonishing mountainous landscapes. My sense of awe has been nearly constant and it does something special to my soul. 

Research suggests there’s more, though. Awe has been shown to make us more kind and generous. We focus a bit less on ourselves and more on others and the world around us. A recent article by Elizabeth Hopper in UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Magazine (https://lnkd.in/eFZqsgcG), cites research that’s found an increased sense of connection and empathy fuelled by awe. Since research also suggests loneliness is as detrimental to us as smoking, connection is vital. 

A 2022 study explores ‘Awe as a pathway to mental and physical health’ (https://lnkd.in/eFZqsgcG). It notes that shifts in neurophysiology, a transformed sense of self and perception of meaning are only some pathways through which awe can fuel better health. 

What makes you feel awe? How can you get more of it?