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Awe: The Secret to a Happier and Healthier Life |
Power of Awe
Awe is a feeling of wonder, amazement, and reverence.
It is often triggered by something vast or powerful that transcends our
understanding of the world. Awe can be experienced in many different ways, such
as when we look at a starry night sky, listen to a beautiful piece of music, or
witness a natural wonder like a waterfall or a canyon.
Awe has been shown to have a number of benefits for
both our mental and physical health. It can help us to feel more connected to
others, more open to new experiences, and more optimistic about the future. Awe
can also boost our immune system, reduce stress, and improve our cognitive
function.
In this article, we will explore the power of awe and
discuss some of the ways that we can cultivate it in our lives.
What is Awe?
Awe is a complex emotion that is often difficult to
define. It is often described as a feeling of wonder, amazement, and reverence.
Awe can be triggered by something vast or powerful that transcends our
understanding of the world. For example, we might feel awe when we look at the
Grand Canyon, listen to a symphony orchestra, or watch a meteor shower.
Awe is different from other emotions, such as fear or
surprise, in that it is not associated with a threat or danger. Instead, awe is
a positive emotion that can promote feelings of connection, humility, and
wonder.
Awe has both an emotional component but also a mental
component. The emotional response overwhelms
the current mental structure which then seems to require us to assimilate this
new experience by restructuring or re-evaluating part of our assumptions about
life. It has its own facial expressions, activates the vagal nerves and deepens
our breathing.
Benefits of Awe
Awe has been shown to have a number of benefits for
both our mental and physical health. Some of the benefits of awe include:
- Increased
feelings of connection and belonging
- Greater
openness to new experiences
- Enhanced
optimism and hope
- Boosted immune
system function – by dealing with inflammation in a way nothing else has
shown ability to do
- Reduced stress
levels
- Improved
cognitive function
How to Cultivate Awe
There are a number of things that we can do to
cultivate awe in our lives. Some of the ways to promote awe include:
- Spending time
in nature
- Engaging in
creative activities
- Learning about
different cultures and perspectives
- Practicing
mindfulness or meditation
- Connecting with
others who are awe-inspiring
Conclusion
Awe is a powerful emotion that can have a positive
impact on our lives. By cultivating awe in our lives, we can improve our mental
and physical health, connect with others, and open ourselves up to new
experiences.
Here are some additional tips for cultivating awe:
- Pay attention
to the small things. Sometimes, the most awe-inspiring moments are the
simplest ones. Take a moment to appreciate the beauty of a flower, the
sound of a bird singing, or the feel of the sun on your skin.
- Be open to new
experiences. Try new things, travel to new places, and meet new people.
The more you experience, the more opportunities you will have to feel awe.
- Take time for
yourself. Sometimes, the best way to cultivate awe is to simply slow down
and be present in the moment. Take some time each day to relax, meditate,
or simply enjoy the beauty of your surroundings.
- . A simple tool called Ishayas’ Ascension can also
promote awe (as well as health, well-being, and expand awareness). Awe is core to the practice of
Ascension. So, by just learning one tool
called Ascension and bringing that into your life on a daily basis, you gain
innumerable benefits in mind, body and spirit.
Awe is a gift, and it is something that we can all cultivate in our lives
.jpg "Learn the First Sphere in Nashville, TN June 16-18")
