That’s Awesome

What is Awe?

Have you ever had an indescribable emotional experience?  Perhaps feelings of intense reverence, admiration or even fear may have materialized.  The experience may have impacted you in such a way that it changed you or remained with you for a long time afterwards.

Psychologist Dr. Jonah Paquette, has examined these transcendent experiences in his newly released book, “Awestruck: How Embracing Wonder Can Make You Happier, Healthier, And More Connected” (Shambala Publications, 2020). Dr. Paquette closely examines the history of awe, what it is, and how it impacts us.

What exactly is Awe? Dr. Paquette states “awe is the feeling that comes when we are in the presence of something so vast or profound it changes our understanding of the world. While it may come from experiences such as viewing a beautiful vista or watching a world class athlete perform at a high level, the main point is that we feel overwhelmed to be in its presence”.

Two conditions are needed to create a true awe experience. First, we must encounter something vast, be it physical, such as a mountain or sunset, or an idea or concept. The second condition is that the experience transcends our understanding of the world which leads to us changing our assumptions and accommodate this new perspective.

Physical Impact of Awe

 Awe is a very powerful emotion that can impact us in a variety of ways.  On a physical level, awe can change our brain, inflammatory system and our nervous system.

For instance, awe, along with other positive emotions, can have an anti-inflammatory effect. While a high level of inflammation can help our body fight disease and infection initially, continued high levels have been linked to poor health, diabetes, heart disease, and a weakened immune system. The experience of awe actually reduced inflammation levels.

Within our brain awe facilitates the release of a neurotransmitter called oxytocin which is associated with feelings of warmth and bonding.  The presence of awe was associated with an enhanced ability to focus and concentrate. In addition, the use of EEGs has identified specific brain waves associated with awe.

Further, awe is associated with activation of the Parasympathetic Nervous System which is related to our relaxation response and the ability to return to homeostasis. The latter is especially important as the Sympathetic Nervous System creates the fight or flight response.

Awe And Mental Health

 On a psychological level Awe produces a wide range of responses impacting our ability to relate to others, promote positive emotions, as well as making us more curious.

Sharing an awe filled experience with others, such as witnessing a sunset together, or viewing a beautiful mountain range creates feelings of being more connected to a group and less attuned to individual concerns. For our early ancestors who had such experiences it allowed them to become more collaborative improving their chances of survival.

Experiencing awe also strengthens our feelings of generosity and kindness, reduces a sense of entitlement, and improves our ability to make ethical decisions. As one researcher says “awe increases altruism”.  Awe also makes us more curious as we want to learn about the things that blow our minds. Overall, awe makes us happier, kinder and less stressed.

Most importantly, the psychological benefits of awe are seen to have long term impact and can last for weeks, and not dissipate quickly.  In fact, inducing awe experiences in individuals who have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, led to a reduction of their symptoms. The more awe experienced by the person, the less stress they experienced.

One additional benefit of awe is that it promotes feelings of humility, a phenomenon called the “small self”.  In this situation, our ego shrinks as we feel humbled in the presence of something vast and transcending. This facilitates our ability to connect to the others.

Other benefits of awe include improved critical thinking, enhanced creativity and a sense that time ‘expands” which reduces stress. As Dr. Paquette writes “Each of us has 24 hours in a day, no more no less. But while we may not be able to change time, awe can help us feel like we have a bit more of it”.

Impediments to Awe

 As awe provides so many benefits it would seem a no brainer for us to experience it as much as possible. However, this is easier said than done.

Our brains have been wired to experience a negative bias. Negative emotions are given greater weight than positive ones.  The reason for this goes back thousands of years. Our ancestors had to be attuned to potential threats in their world from dangerous animals to human enemies. They needed to “sleep with one eye open” to maintain their survival.

While the negativity bias served our ancestors well, currently most of us do not have to worry about being attacked by wild animals as we walk the streets. However, our brains still maintain this early mindset. Thus, searching for the worst continues to haunt us even in our modern world. As a result, it can lead to us overlooking the good and potentially awe-inspiring experiences.

One way to overcome the negativity bias is to retrain our brain to, as the old song says, “accentuate the positive”.  Dr. Paquette suggests writing down experiences that bring us joy, or keeping a daily gratitude list of at least three things during the day that we feel grateful about.  Making an effort to appreciate the good things reduces stress and improves our ability to experience awe.      

Awe Comes In All Sizes

In learning about awe, one may think that they have to travel to exotic places to see amazing sunsets, vast mountain ranges or visit incredible looking beaches to experience the feeling.

However, we do not have to fly to a far away or glamorous location to experience awe.  One of the biggest takeaways from this book was the idea that awe can be experienced in a variety of ways, many of which can be easily incorporated into our everyday life. We can cultivate the experience of awe.

Dr. Paquette outlines several ways for all of us to integrate awe into our daily lives. A few are highlighted below.

Slow down. Modern life presents many demands as we live at breakneck speed. However, taking the time to slow down and find stillness can be very rewarding. Take the time to notice your breath, savor a meal, immerse yourself in your senses in the moment. Look around to notice the colors, smell the air and listen to sounds. Make space for awe to emerge.

Unplug.  While technology can inspire awe, such as when we connect with someone far away, watch videos, and share photos, it comes at a price. By spending hours on our devices, we can feel more alone. Utilizing technology too much can limit our ability to connect with others, engage in meaningful pursuits and miss out on the beauty of the moment.

Find time to disconnect from tech. Even doing so for small periods of time can make a difference. Take a walk and leave the phone home. Visit a park and don’t check social media. If you visit a beautiful place don’t take a picture but experience it in the here and now. Notice the clouds, feel the breeze, hear the sounds and take it all in.

Sunset can be a powerful experience. If you have the opportunity watch it wherever you are. Savor the sun’s colors, observe how the light hits the surroundings and take in the natural beauty of what you are witnessing.

The Blue Marble is a photo of Earth taken by a crew member of Apollo 17. Looking at this picture can be a very powerful experience. Google it or find it on NASA’s website. Study the details, the colors and how black space surrounds our blue Earth.  Close your eyes and imagine you are seeing this from above. This can help connect us to the universe as well as the living beings on our planet.

The night sky can be an awe filled place. If possible, get away from areas with lights that detract from it.  When looking at the moon and stars think about how so many others across the world are doing the same thing at that moment. Reflect on how space is infinite and our universe is expanding.

Learn awe inspiring facts. The world is filled with incredible facts. Such as: black apples exist, there are giant pigs as big as polar bears, the world’s oldest tree is nearly 5,000 years old and Arctic foxes can survive temperatures as low as -70 degrees Celsius. Learn something that is absolutely mind blowing about our world. Expanding our mind can help get us in touch with the wonder around us. 

Savor the arts. If you enjoy architecture visit a skyscraper or holy building and tune into the construction. A play, dance performance or film can inspire awe. Music is a medium that can touch us in profound ways. Any form of art can leave us awestruck just as the experience of awe can inspire art.

Express gratitude to those that have helped us grow into the person you are. It can be anyone. Reflecting on how they impacted you can create a sense of awe for their compassion and how they touched your life.  Then reach out to them. Send a short email or letter thanking them. Expressing thanks in a such a meaningful way will help you feel in awe of that person.

Awe’s Well That Ends Well

It is clear that awe is an incredibly powerful experience that can impact our life in so many ways. Take the time to bring awe into your life. If you find yourself in an awe-inspiring situation don’t rush it.  Instead take the time to allow it to linger.  Indeed, you will find it well worth it!

            “He who can no longer pause to wonder and stand in rapt awe, is as good as dead. His eyes are closed”.  Albert Einstein.

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