The Power of Awe

When was the last time you experienced a truly jaw dropping, mind opening, joyfully mysterious experience that led to a glorious exhale of “Awe. . .” How did you feel at the time?

In an autonomous culture full of smartphone screens, computer screens, gaming screens and the like, we may be missing out on the amazing experiences that elicit the spellbinding

exclamation of the full definition of “awesome.”

It is essential that we as humans connect to something larger than ourselves; be it a sublime

sunrise or sunset, majestic mountaintop, stunning stars at night, a breathtaking gaze upon the miracle of a newborn baby, music, art, feeling the love for a sweet puppy, edifying interactions with others and more. There is a vast array of awe inspiring experiences that await those who will attend to such moments of bliss.

Research shows that when we are struggling with depression, anxiety and other effects of

trauma, our ability to witness the sensation of awe can have a transformative positive outcome when turning our attention to awe inspiring wonderment.

Awe causes us to think in a more transcendent way by shifting our focus from the inward strife to an outward sense of connection with others, nature, the universe and spirituality. Studies show that an experience of awe increases curiosity, helps develop caring relationships and boosts feelings of generosity and empathy. There is also evidence that consistent exposure to the sense of awe can lower blood pressure, improve our immune system and reduce inflammation. This occurs through the activation of the vagal nerve, frontal lobe and cortex, and igniting the parasympathetic nervous system, thereby increasing healthy cognitive and physical function.

It merely requires a few minutes or even a few seconds sometimes to ignite a sense of awe.

Take some time to take in a beautiful sunrise or sunset; notice the way the wind moves the trees as the sun shimmers on the leaves; breathe with the waves as they ebb and flow on the lake or seashore; see the love in a puppy’s eye as they look into yours; absorb the fullness of moonlight as a brilliant night light or even a sliver of silver in the smiling crescent moon; scan the night sky for twinkling stars; allow a lovely song or meaningful poem to take you away; feel the warmth and compassion of a loved one. . .

Sometimes it may seem that life gives us mere moments of bliss. Let us ensure that we do not miss out on those moments. They are all around us everywhere and at all times. What are some of the things that give you a sense of awe?

By: Susan Cimino LPC