There are moments in life that stop us in our tracks—the kind that make the everyday noise fade away. I still remember standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon for the first time, staring at the vast expanse that looked more like a dreamscape than real life. For a minute, my worries about emails, bills, and deadlines vanished, replaced by the humbling awareness that I was just a tiny piece of something unimaginably bigger. That feeling? Pure awe.
Over the years, I’ve come to see awe not just as an occasional thrill, but as a tool for daily living. And science agrees. Researchers now understand awe as a powerful emotion that reshapes the way we think, feel, and even how our bodies function. In this piece, I’ll share both the science and my own stories of awe—and how weaving it into everyday life can boost health, creativity, and joy.
What is Awe and Why It Matters
When psychologists talk about awe, they describe it as more than a fleeting feeling. It’s an emotional state that arises when we encounter something vast—so big, so beautiful, or so meaningful—that it challenges our usual frame of reference. It’s the same spark whether you’re staring at the Milky Way, hearing a symphony swell, or witnessing an act of kindness that restores your faith in people.
1. Awe in Personal Moments
For me, awe often sneaks up on a quiet forest hike. I’ll glance up at towering trees and suddenly feel both small and connected at the same time. It’s like my boundaries dissolve, and I’m reminded I’m part of something greater than my to-do list.
2. The Psychology of Awe
According to experts Dacher Keltner and Jonathan Haidt, awe pulls us beyond self-focus. Our brains step out of autopilot and enter what scientists call the “default mode network.” In these moments, time slows down, mental chatter quiets, and we gain clarity.
3. Why It Matters
Awe matters because it shifts perspective. Instead of obsessing about “me,” it helps us appreciate “we.” That shift is not just refreshing—it’s transformative, shaping how we move through daily life.
Awe’s Impact on Physical and Mental Health
The beauty of awe is that its benefits aren’t just emotional. Science shows it actually influences our physical health and cognitive abilities too.
1. Stress Reduction and Immune Boost
I once attended an outdoor concert where the music and sunset seemed to sync perfectly. I left feeling lighter, calmer, even energized. Research backs that up: people who experience awe have lower levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines—the proteins linked to stress and illness. In simple terms, awe helps the body calm down and fight back.
2. A Spark for Creativity
Whenever I step into a museum, I leave buzzing with ideas. Awe makes the brain more flexible, encouraging divergent thinking. That’s why artists, entrepreneurs, and problem-solvers often chase awe—it sparks innovation.
3. Building Empathy and Connection
During a stargazing night with friends, I noticed how awe softened our conversations. Suddenly we were talking about life’s big questions and supporting each other in a deeper way. Studies confirm this: awe makes us less self-absorbed and more compassionate, building stronger human bonds.
Pursuing Awe in Everyday Life
You don’t have to trek across the globe to find awe. Some of the most powerful awe-inducing experiences happen right outside your door or in everyday encounters.
1. Nature’s Hidden Wonders
I used to rush through my morning walks, earbuds in, mind elsewhere. Then one chilly fall morning I stopped to admire a spiderweb glistening with dew. That tiny moment shifted my whole perspective for the day. Nature is full of these awe invitations if we slow down enough to notice.
2. Art, Music, and Culture
I’ll never forget standing in front of Van Gogh’s Starry Night. The swirls, the colors, the intensity—it felt like stepping into the artist’s mind. Art has that ability to move us beyond words, and so does music, theater, or even a local street performance. Awe is everywhere culture lives.
3. Learning Something New
Awe can come from expanding your mind too. I started watching astrophysics documentaries during the pandemic, and suddenly I was humbled by galaxies, black holes, and the unfathomable scale of the universe. That curiosity turned into awe, and awe turned into gratitude.
The Relationship Between Awe and Mindfulness
Mindfulness and awe complement each other beautifully. Where mindfulness is about grounding ourselves in the present, awe is about opening ourselves up to something bigger than ourselves. Practicing one strengthens the other.
1. Mindful Awe-Walks
One of my favorite weekend rituals is slowing down for what I call an “awe walk.” I deliberately notice the crunch of gravel under my shoes, the scent of pine in the air, and the way sunlight filters through leaves. It transforms a regular walk into a grounding, uplifting practice.
2. Awe Meets Gratitude
Every night I jot down a few moments from the day that made me pause. Sometimes it’s dramatic, like a mountain view. Other times it’s as small as watching a toddler belly-laugh. Recording these sparks of awe keeps me tuned in to wonder, even on tough days.
3. Science of Presence
Researchers note that mindfulness amplifies awe by priming the brain to notice details. It’s proof that the more present we are, the more awe finds us.
The Ever-Present Potential for Awe
Here’s the truth: awe is not rare. It’s woven into daily life if we’re willing to see it. It might come in the quiet golden light before sunrise, in the sound of ocean waves, or even in the kindness of a stranger holding the door.
1. Awe as a Choice
Living an awe-filled life isn’t about luck—it’s about intention. It’s choosing to pause, to look up, to notice. When I started treating awe as something I could practice, it changed everything.
2. Daily Benefits
Since leaning into awe, I’ve noticed my stress levels drop, my creativity spike, and my empathy deepen. It doesn’t take hours; it takes awareness.
3. A Lifelong Companion
Awe isn’t just about making life more beautiful today—it’s about creating a mindset that sustains resilience, joy, and connection for the long run.
Habit Stacks!
- Nature Nudge: Step outside for two minutes each morning, breathe deeply, and spot something new.
- Art Appreciation: Keep a piece of art, photo, or quote nearby to spark a moment of reflection.
- Mindful Minute: Close your eyes once a day and focus on your senses—sound, touch, smell—without judgment.
- Curiosity Quest: Dedicate 15 minutes weekly to exploring a new subject, book, or podcast that excites you.
- Gratitude Reflection: Write down three awe-inspiring moments each night, no matter how small.
- Cultural Dive: Attend a concert, gallery, or cultural event monthly and let yourself be swept away.
Awe as a Daily Superpower
Awe doesn’t demand grand trips or perfect sunsets. It asks only for your attention. Whether it’s the shimmer of stars, the laugh of a loved one, or the colors of a painting, awe is always within reach. By inviting it into our lives, we tap into better health, deeper relationships, and a brighter sense of being alive.
So here’s my take: awe is life’s free upgrade. Try stacking it into your days, and you’ll notice how even ordinary moments start to feel extraordinary. 🌌
