The Power of Awe
What is Awe?
Awe is a feeling of appreciation, presence, contentment and well-being. It is a powerful emotion triggered by awareness of something vastly layered and produces mostly positive emotions, especially when you’re in the presence of something grandiose. Feelings of awe are highly beneficial to your overall health and can be experienced by examining your own life from the inside and out. As we age, our lives slow down and we have more time to appreciate the small things. While having a regular routine and schedule is important, we should not be afraid to try new activities that might challenge us and heighten our feelings of awareness and joy. Nature is a common source of awe as well as music, art and even our own accomplishments. Now is a wonderful time to stop and reflect on all of your many achievements and experience powerful feelings of awe!
The Benefits of Awe
According to one study, experiencing awe could provide long-term health benefits. Awe can reduce loneliness, stress (both physical and mental) and can cause a sense of expanded time, perspective and connection. It increases our sense of community and drives us towards social behavior. For example: When exercising with others you might feel a sense of awe because you feel a greater sense of belonging and being a part of something bigger than yourself. Everyone has the same goal of getting healthy and working out together allows you to share feelings of achievement and encouragement with one another.
Examples of Awe
A great way to experience awe is with physical exercise. Outdoor activities, such as walking, hiking, or playing golf, get your muscles moving and loose while enjoying the outdoors and your surroundings. To supercharge your workout, become adept at discovering and amplifying feelings of awe. Take the time to notice everyday beauty, from the sight of a cat sunning itself on a park bench to the subtle colors of fall foliage. Awe is partly about rediscovering that the world around you is filled with marvelous things.
Eight Reasons Why Awe Makes Life Better
- Improves your mood and makes you feel happier and more inspired
- Provides long-term health benefits
- Helps you think more critically
- Makes you appreciative of the simple things in life
- Makes you feel humble
- Makes you feel like you have more time
- Creates feelings of generosity and cooperation
- Makes you feel more connected to other people and humanity
We have already accomplished so many things in our lives and now we can reap the benefits and take the time to stop and smell the roses. The practice of being fully present and engaged in the current moment is a gateway to discovering awe in ever day life! So with all of this said, let’s all be “Awe”some in our lives!
