Have you ever been stopped in your tracks by a breathtaking view? Witnessed a sunset that caused your jaw to drop? Felt overcome by the vastness of the ocean (or locally, Lake Michigan)? Stood beneath a sky full of stars and felt both small and connected at the same time? Gone to a concert or listened to a piece of music that transported you somewhere else entirely? These are all experiences of awe, of wonder: the kinds of moments that make you want to tap a friend on the shoulder and ask, “Are you seeing this??” 

Awe is a complex and powerful emotion characterized by a sense of wonder, amazement, curiosity, and reverence for something greater than ourselves. It shows up when we encounter something vast, beautiful, unexpected, or meaningful. Research suggests that awe plays an important role in our well-being. Experiencing awe can support us in feeling more connected to others, strengthen our sense of gratitude, and shift our attention away from our own worries. When we experience awe, our day-to-day stressors often seem a little further away, and we can deepen our perspective on our lives and the world around us. Awe reminds us that we are a part of something larger than ourselves, whether that is the universe, a higher power, nature, community, art, or music. 

In a culture that continues to ask more and more of us (our time, attention, and productivity), cultivating awe can be a powerful way to step off the wheel, slow down, and pour back into our mental and emotional health. While awe is often sparked by extraordinary experiences, it can also be found in everyday moments when we pause and make enough space to notice them. 

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Here are a few ways to invite more awe into your life: 

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Spend time in nature. Take a walk, go to your local park, spend a few minutes by a body of water (creek, stream, river, lake, ocean, whatever you got!), or simply look out into your own backyard. Nature offers us infinite opportunities for wonder.
 

Actively listen to music. Spend a few minutes fully immersed in a song. Listen to your favorite artist’s album front to back. Make a playlist of songs that give you the chills. Go see live music.

 

Close your eyes. And perhaps, allow the music to move you and … dance.
Look up at the sky. Do you know what the sky looks like today? Take a minute or two to go outside and look up. Do this every day! Notice the color of the sky, the textures and movement of the clouds, the birds soaring above you, or the visual quiet of a clear night sky.
 

Connect with your senses. What delights your senses? What turns your eye? What are your favorite sounds (mine is an orchestra warming up and tuning together)? Textures? Smells? Pay attention to the world around you and the sights, sounds, textures, smells, and tastes that bring you joy and spark curiosity.
 

Slow down. You already take a daily mental health walk? Have a morning coffee routine? Yay! You’re halfway there! Now slooooow it down, see what your body and brain can invite into your experience when you’re not rushing. 

Awe, and opportunity for awe, is all around us. By slowing down, remaining mindful, and being open to wonder, we can uncover moments that enrich our lives, deepen our connections to others, and remind us of the beauty that surrounds us. 

 

– Helen Berger | MA, LPC, R-DMT