The Power of Awe
For decades, most psychological research has focused on the study of negative emotions. Over the years researchers primarily studied depression, anxiety and various other mental illnesses. They were trying to find tools to help people overcome these challenges; which explains the need to focus on the negative issues. But in the last 10 to 15 years, there has been a new branch of psychology that is emerging. It’s literally called “Positive Psychology”. Those who are studying this field are looking for things that cause us to experience more joy and peace in our lives so that we can live life to the fullest. Most people are aware of the studies on gratitude. These studies have shown that just writing down 5 things you are grateful for every day has a positive effect on your mood and your life
This study of positive psychology has led us to a new current topic regarding the benefits of experiencing “awe” in our lives. How is awe defined? Awe is when we come across something so vast, or profound, that it transcends our understanding of the world. I think awe is the magical feeling everyone is looking for in Christmas and many other special occasions. Research is showing that awe if very powerful. Awe can transform our lives! If we can get more awe in our daily lives, we will be less stressed, more healthy, happier and more connected to people around us.
Awe is universal. It is seen in every culture, and the facial expressions for awe are almost identical in every culture. When we experience awe, it lowers our blood pressure, reduces inflammation in our bodies and helps us relax. Awe actually calms the part of the brain that stimulates our fight or flight response.
Awe not only creates physical change. It also takes us outside of ourselves mentally. It causes us to no longer focus on the minute details and concerns of our lives. It causes us to be less materialistic. It causes us to see life in perspective, and I believe it connects us to God.
Research has shown that when we experience awe in our lives, we move towards other people and to something or someone larger than ourselves. Awe causes us to be less selfish and less self centered.
A study on awe was done on a college campus in California. The study had two groups of people. One group was asked to look at a beautiful grove of eucalyptus trees, some of which were over 200 feet tall, for one minute. The other group was asked to look at the science building for one minute. The researchers then had a person walk by each group and drop a box of pens. The ones who were gazing at the trees were far more likely to help pick up the pens than those in the other group. Not only that - The group that looked at the trees showed a higher degree of ethical decision making, had much more patience after the experiment and reported that they were more likely to volunteer or donate their time to help others.
Awe causes us to see ourselves in perspective. Our lives and our problems are not nearly as large as they appear in comparison to the world of God. It somehow reminds us that we are connected with people around us rather than being completely set apart.
How do we experience awe in our day to day lives? It requires intention and attention. Most people experience awe in nature, art or beauty. I have experienced awe while whale watching. I experienced it while stargazing in South Africa when there was very little light pollution to dilute their beauty. But awe can be found while looking at a beautiful sunset, watching rabbits playing in the backyard or even seeing a flower that has somehow grown in the crack of a sidewalk. We can experience awe by looking at works of art or architecture. We can also experience it by hearing or reading about a heroic or brave act or a miraculous story of healing or rescue.
If we can just get the mindset that awe is all around us, we can begin to see it and hear it more and more frequently. Most of the time we are thinking about things like traffic, the bills that need to be paid or what to have for dinner. We have to choose to look for awe. Choosing to be intentional about looking for awe helps us live happier and healthier lives. You can begin today! Look around you at nature. Seek out places where there is natural beauty. Here is an “awesome” fact that may surprise you. Just looking at something in a photograph or even remembering and thinking about something awe inspiring has the same impact as actually being there!
Awe can enrich your life and help you be happier and healthier
If you want to read more on the power of awe, here are some resources
The Power of Awe by Jake Eagle, LPC and Michael Amster, MD
Awestruck: How Embracing Wonder Can Make You Happier, Healthier and More Connected by Jonah Paquette
In Awe: Rediscover Your Childlike Wonder to Unleash Inspiration, Meaning and Joy by John O’Leary