I live in a place that experienced just under 90% eclipse of the sun recently, and it was mostly covered in clouds. But still, being able to see glimpses of this partial eclipse through the breaks and feeling the little shift in temperature and energy as these celestial bodies, millions of miles from one another, aligned, brought a deep sense of wonder in me. What an amazing thing to witness in one’s backyard! Then I watched NASA’s live coverage of the path of totality as it unfolded in cities across North America, and it truly brought a deep sense of awe. Even through a screen, witnessing this perfect synchrony with a telescopic view, watching as each community experienced a 360 degree sunset as darkness descended on the afternoon, was absolutely majestic. And even beyond the event itself, hearing the crowds cheer and seeing a sea of faces looking up in reverence in this communal experience was also amazing. This great interconnection of all things exemplified in these few minutes of alignment.
Even though we knew it was coming, even though we can understand the orbital patterns that come into play and create this phenomena, still there is an element of great mystery. The sun and moon are millions of miles apart and the moon is 400 times smaller than the sun and somehow they are able to line up perfectly and affect us way down here on Earth. Reflecting on this encounter with awe led me to consider the broader significance of such moments in our lives.
Awe is the feeling of being in the presence of something vast that transcends your understanding of the world.” Dacher Keltner
Benefits of Awe
University of California Berkeley professor and author of “Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life,” Dacher Keltner, defines awe as “the feeling of being in the presence of something vast that transcends your understanding of the world.” We don’t always have space for that sort of experience in our busily distracted and somewhat self-absorbed and cynical culture. We collectively have a bit of an “awe deficit.” But as it turns out, awe is associated with greater well-being. Awe-prone people tend to be happier, more creative, more generous, and have more meaning in life. And awe is something that can be cultivated. It’s not necessary to wait for another total eclipse or spend a lot of money to travel to some distant beautiful landscape. If we open to it, awe can be a part of life right here and now. I’ve found awe in my daily life in all manner of places. Here are just a few:
In Nature
The beauty and complexity in the natural world supports a shift in perspective from self-focus to a more expansive view of our place in the universe and the interconnectedness of all things. A highlight of a recent visit with relatives was lining up zero-gravity chairs under a night sky and collectively taking in the vast array of stars and occasional satellites. Stephen Hawking said, “remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet.” But even down around our feet exists a whole world of wonder. An autumn walk amongst crunchy leaves might offer an opportunity of fascination in how trees have within them the capacity to discard growth in order to preserve energy for winter. Or a spring walk in the same location might conjure amazement as the little buds of leaves and shoots of plants are discovered emerging yet again.
Have you ever experienced awe in the natural world? If so, what was it about nature that activated this experience of awe?
In Art and Music
Artistic expression has the power to expand our horizons and connect us to something bigger than ourselves. There are times when live musical performances by artists I admire have felt transcendent. From an unbelievable guitar solo to a poignant turn of phrase, from a powerful voice to a chord progression that speaks in a language older than words. So many modes of an artist sharing their gifts with the world has the potential to spur awe: literature, photography, poetry, painting, sculpture, and on and on.
What types of artistic expression draws you in and has it ever evoked awe within you?
In Witnessing Acts of Inspiration
Seeing the boundless potential of the human spirit through overcoming odds and through noticing compassionate and selfless acts can be a catalyst for awe. On weekends when I make it to my local gym, I’m afforded an opportunity to watch some highly competitive basketball with very talented young people making phenomenal moves on the court. And they’re all doing it in wheelchairs. It’s exciting and fast-paced and I definitely pause in a state of awe, watching the strong will and determination of these extraordinarily talented athletes.
When did you last witness a reminder of the deep potential that lies within humanity? Did it bring a sense of awe?
In Mindfulness
Practicing mindfulness opens the door to experiencing awe in the simplest of moments. In order to experience awe we need to pay attention and to be curious. Mindfulness helps us build these capacities and to have a more spacious awareness and helps us open up to the vastness and mystery of life. There is so much more happening than what our typically limited view offers. So in being openly present for the moments of our life, even the most ordinary experiences can become extraordinary, reminding us of the inherent beauty and mystery of existence. Meditation teacher Sharon Salzberg describes awe as being, “the absence of self-preoccupation.”
How do you bring about present moment awareness in your daily life? Have you ever found awe in the seemingly simplest of things?
Being Awe-Prone
I think their openness to awe is one reason I like being around kids. They’re not self-conscious about being curious and fascinated and being prone to awe. They see the world through beginner eyes and perhaps that means they see more clearly. It turns out even as adults we can become more awe-prone by opening to and allowing a deeper connection to the vastness of our existence. And we’re surrounded by reminders of this in our day-to-day lives. We just have to find ways that help us tune in to it.
When was the last time you experienced awe? What ways might support you in tuning in to it, in becoming more awe-prone? Might you begin practicing opening to awe in your daily life?