What is awe? We have all experienced it, even if we didn’t know what to call it. Whether we’re overlooking a beautiful view or watching a new leaf grow on the plant we’ve been nurturing, the feeling we get in that moment — amazed, inspired, transported — awe.
Not only is awe a pleasant feeling akin to wonder, it also helps us to experience a different relationship with the world around us. When we are overcome with awe, we often experience a “small self” — the sense of our ego becoming smaller, and our needs, hopes and purpose more integrated and environment surrounding us.
The evidence supporting the link between spending time outdoors, experiencing awe, and lower stress levels. Time spent in nature or in green spaces, the way one might typically prescribe a new medication, says Paquette.
Studies have also found a link between awe, generosity, and kindness. These studies help explain why awe evolved: feeling awe makes us more willing to help those in need, and in turn increases our sense of connection to others.
These studies that, confirm our intuition: awe makes us feel good. By reducing stress, increasing generosity and improving our life satisfaction, awe really is good for us.
Given that awe has these benefits, we should try to experience it more in our everyday lives.
Linger. When you catch yourself in awe, sit with that feeling for as long as possible. Try pausing first to soak in the surroundings for a bit longer.
Slow down.
“By reducing stress, increasing generosity and improving our life satisfaction, awe really is good for us.”
Spending time in nature lowers stress and improves our physical and mental health by decreasing blood pressure, enhancing focus, and strengthening our immune system. Experiencing awe is actually one of the main factors that make nature so powerful.
Seeking awe is a unique way to reduce stress while simultaneously finding happiness and connection. It doesn’t take much to experience awe. Take a walk and observe your surroundings with intention can leave us awestruck and in a better state of mind.
Jonah Paquette from Happiness.com
