The Power of Awe in Our Lives

Awe is a feeling that can be difficult to put into words, but one that many of us have experienced at some point in our lives.

A beautiful sunset, a breathtaking natural landscape, or a work of art can spark awe and take our breath away.

Awe can also come from encountering new ideas or perspectives that challenge our assumptions and expand our thinking.

But the power of awe goes beyond simply being a fleeting emotion. Studies have shown that experiencing awe can have many positive effects on our well-being and happiness.

Awe helps to increase feelings of gratitude, humility, and connection to others.

It inspires us to be more compassionate and open-minded, and take action to make a positive impact on the world around us.

So how can we cultivate more awe in our lives? Here are a few ideas:

• Seek out new experiences and perspectives. This can be as simple as taking a different route to work or trying a new hobby. It can also mean traveling to new places or learning about different cultures. The key is to push ourselves out of our comfort zone and expose ourselves to new and unfamiliar things. 
• Practice mindfulness. We experience awe when we are fully present in the moment, and mindfulness is a great way to cultivate this appreciation for the world around us. Meditation, yoga, or simply taking a few deep breaths and focusing on our senses help us slow down and appreciate the beauty in the everyday
• Surround ourselves with awe-inspiring people. Whether it's friends, family, or mentors, the people we spend time with can have a big impact on our outlook and mindset. These people who inspire us and challenge us to think big help us cultivate a sense of awe and curiosity in our own lives.

In conclusion, awe is a powerful and transformative emotion that can have a big impact on our well-being and happiness.

We can cultivate a sense of wonder and appreciation for the world around us by seeking out new experiences and perspectives, practicing mindfulness, and surrounding ourselves with awe-inspiring people.

Take some time to find and embrace the moments of awe in your life, and see how it can enrich your daily experience.

References:

• Awe and life satisfaction. Keltner, D., & Haidt, J. (2003). Approaching awe, a moral, spiritual, and aesthetic emotion. Cognition & Emotion, 17(2), 297-314.

• Awe and social connection. Piff, P. K., Dietze, P., Feinberg, M., Stancato, D. M., & Keltner, D. (2015). Awe, the small self, and prosocial behavior. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 108(6), 883-899.

• Awe and well-being. Rudd, M. D., Aaker, J. L., & Norton, M. I. (2012). Awe expands people's perception of time, alters decision making, and enhances well-being. Psychological Science, 23(10), 1130-1136.

• Awe and stress. Shiota, M. N., Keltner, D., & John, O. P. (2006). Positive emotion dispositions differentially associated with big five personality and attachment style. Journal of Research in Personality, 40(6), 772-782.