The image is by Rene Tittmann from Pixabay. Many people are familiar with the benefits of meditation, such as reducing stress and cortisol levels. However, actually practicing meditation can be challenging due to lack of time and discipline. This is where the practice of awe comes in.
Awe is the emotion felt when experiencing something extraordinary, like the Grand Canyon or a beautiful waterfall. There are different types of awe, each with its own effects. Studies have shown that experiencing awe can improve subjective well-being and even have a positive impact on health.
Awe can also have interpersonal effects, fostering healthy relationships and increasing traits like empathy and humility. Individuals who experience awe more often are generally considered to be more humble and connected to others.
Experiencing awe can also affect our perception of time, making it seem to slow down or expand. Incorporating awe into our lives can help us feel like we have more time, leading to more pro-social behavior like volunteering.
Certain personality traits make some people more prone to experiencing awe than others. Those who are more comfortable with ambiguity and less rigid in their thinking are more likely to experience awe. Additionally, older adults who are considered wise are more likely to report experiencing awe. The concept of awe as a practice reminds me of the wisdom found in Proverbs 9:10: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
It is encouraging to know that even if our personality traits or socioeconomic status may not naturally lead us to experience awe, we can choose to intentionally cultivate awe in our lives. Just like any other habit, awe can be practiced and eventually become a regular part of our lives.
One method to practice awe is the A.W.E. method, introduced in the book “The Power of Awe” by Jake Eagle and Dr. Michael Amster. This method involves focusing our Attention on something amazing, beautiful, or for which we feel grateful, taking a moment to Wait and let that feeling sink in, and then Exhaling. This simple process can be done in 30-45 seconds at a time.
Research during the COVID-19 pandemic showed that intentional practice of awe led to significant improvements in well-being, stress levels, and physical health. By committing to practicing awe a few times a day for 21 to 90 days, we can solidify this habit and begin to experience spontaneous moments of awe in our daily lives. The benefits of cultivating awe are immediate and long-lasting.
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