What fills you with a sense of awe? That emotion—being in the presence of something vast that challenges your understanding of the world—is often linked to extraordinary moments.
You might picture standing next to a towering tree, gazing at an open plain as a storm rolls in, listening to the reverberations of an electric guitar in a large arena, or cradling the delicate hand of a newborn. Awe sweeps over us, making us aware of forces larger than ourselves, and showing us that our current knowledge can’t fully grasp the magnitude of what we’re experiencing.
However, awe doesn’t always require extraordinary events.
People often describe awe-inspiring experiences in everyday moments: the kindness of a friend, the dappled light filtering through tree leaves onto a sidewalk, or a song that brought back memories of a first love.
Experiencing awe, even in these simple moments, is vital.
Research indicates that a brief experience of awe can reduce stress, lower inflammation, and support heart health. Fortunately, we don’t have to wait for it to find us—we can actively seek it. Awe surrounds us; we just need to be mindful of where to look.
Virginia Sturm, a neuroscientist at UC San Francisco, recently explored the effects of an “awe walk.”
One group took a weekly walk for eight weeks, while another group followed similar routines but with a twist: they were instructed to tap into a childlike sense of wonder, pretending to see everything for the first time. During their walks, they were encouraged to notice the vastness around them, whether in panoramic views or the intricate details of a flower. They were also asked to explore new areas or observe new features in familiar places. Throughout the study, participants reported on their levels of happiness, anxiety, and depression, and they took selfies during their walks.
What was found was that the awe-walkers experienced increasing feelings of awe over time. Which suggests that the thrill of new experiences or achievements fades over time, the practice of awe seems to deepen with each walk.
Interestingly, it is also observed a shift in how people viewed themselves in relation to their surroundings. In the selfies taken by those on awe walks, the participants included less of themselves and more of the environment over time. Their images increasingly featured the streets of San Francisco, trees, or the rocky coastline. As the study progressed, the awe-walkers reported reduced daily stress and increased feelings of compassion and joy.
In a world where the pandemic has left many feeling small and powerless, the idea of seeking out overwhelming experiences might not seem appealing. Yet, engaging with the vast and mysterious can offer a fresh perspective. Gazing at the stars, admiring a sculpture that stirs something deep inside, or listening to a complex piece of music that moves you—these moments remind us of our place in something much greater, something that will endure long after we’re gone. By opening ourselves to awe, even for brief moments, we can find a sense of connection and wonder.
For further reading and insights, pick up Dacher Keltner’s book Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life.
How do you find awe in your daily life?
Best,
Manal
