Awe

I have always been fascinated by awe. Awe has the power to transform our lives, connect us, and calm our nervous systems. Dacher Keltner published a book titled Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How it Can Transform Your Life which highlights his studies on the impact of awe throughout the world. Throughout the book, Keltner provides information regarding his studies of awe and interviews regarding awe through the lens of the 8 primary avenues he has found. Keltner states “We can find awe, then, in eight wonders of life: moral beauty, collective effervescence, nature, music, visual design, spirituality and religion, life and death, and epiphany” (Keltner, p. 18). He also notes that 5% of experiences did not fall into those 8 categories.

Keltner distinguishes between the transcendent once-in-a-lifetime experiences that the thought of awe invokes and the everyday awe we can notice. Everyday awe can be found in those moments where we look at our cityscape and realize that there are so many people out there trying their best or when you look up at the sky and notice how vast everything is. Keltner shows how awe can help us become more curious, more compassionate, and have a smaller sense of self - giving us the ability to feel more connected to humanity.

What are the most striking experiences of awe in your life? Where do you notice everyday awe? How can you cultivate more awe into your life?

As always, take what is helpful and leave the rest. I hope you have the week you need.

Keltner, D. (2023). Awe: The new science of everyday wonder and how it can transform your life. Penguin Press.