Dacher Keltner, a professor of psychology and director of the Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkeley, has spent over 20 years studying the emotion of awe and its effects on our minds, bodies, and outlooks. He defines awe as the feeling we have when we encounter vast mysteries and when we are connected to something larger than ourselves. Awe can be experienced through various sources such as moral beauty, nature, collective movement, music, visual design, spirituality, big ideas, and life and death, all of which can elicit feelings of awe in individuals.
Keltner’s research shows that experiencing awe through any of the eight wonders mentioned above can have a positive impact on our health. When we experience awe, a region of the brain called the default mode network is deactivated, allowing us to be more open to things beyond ourselves. Additionally, the activation of the vagus nerve during experiences of awe can lower inflammation, alleviate anxiety and pain, and release oxytocin, the ‘love’ hormone that promotes trust and bonding. These findings have been replicated in peer-reviewed studies and show that incorporating moments of awe into our lives can lead to numerous health benefits.
In order to experience more awe in our daily lives and reap the associated health benefits, Keltner recommends taking a few minutes each day to slow down, disconnect from devices, breathe deeply, and open our minds to something larger than ourselves. By asking questions about our connections to what is vast and how we can serve it, we can quickly access feelings of awe. The practice of taking an “awe walk,” where individuals intentionally seek out and immerse themselves in awe-inspiring experiences in nature, can also be a powerful way to cultivate more awe in our lives.
Keltner’s research has shown that moral beauty and nature are two of the most powerful sources of awe, as they can profoundly impact our minds and bodies. The experience of awe has been linked to changes in brain activity, heart rate, and emotional well-being, ultimately leading to a sense of connection and well-being. By incorporating more moments of awe into our lives, whether through music, nature, or other sources of wonder, we can enhance our overall health and well-being.
In his book “Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life,” Keltner delves deeper into the power of awe and its transformative effects on individuals. By fostering a mindset of self in relation to what is vast, we can open ourselves up to experiences of awe in everyday life. Whether it’s through experiencing kindness, connecting with nature, or exploring big ideas, incorporating awe into our daily routine can lead to profound shifts in our perception and well-being. Subscribe to “Am I Doing It Wrong?” podcast to explore more topics related to well-being, relationships, and personal growth, and discover how incorporating awe into your life can lead to positive changes.
