Tapping Into the Healing Power of Awe

I recently told a friend I wanted to write about awe and was surprised at her response. She said, “Really, awe, that’s all you’ve got?” And that got me thinking, is awe enough? How does awe really help with the hard stuff?

I get it. Perhaps the bills are piling up or you’re trying to buy a home in a tight market. Or maybe you're frustrated with a job search. Or you’re struggling with health issues or caring for an ill family member. When you think of all those situations and the many others that are heavy and weigh us down, they bring up common feelings of anxiety, depression, and fatigue. That led to the question: Can awe help ease these feelings during difficult times? I’d like to share what the science says, but first a word about the word.

Awe…some

What does awe mean to you? To me, I describe awe with words like wonder, sacred, inspire, vast, and reverence. Awe is a place, like nature; it is a feeling, like gratitude; it is a gift, like holding a newborn baby. Awe can be many things to many people. The first step in understanding the power of awe is to identify and appreciate what creates awe in our lives. Then it’s important to consider how often we experience it. And finally, and most importantly, does it even matter?

According to the scientific literature (I know, I was surprised myself), experiencing awe can make a significant difference in our mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical health. What’s more, you don’t need to make a trip to the Grand Canyon. Awe is easy, economical, and readily available. But how can it help?

The Health Benefits of Awe

In the scientific literature, awe has been identified as a very distinct positive emotion that can enhance mental and physical health by influencing thought patterns, social behavior, and physiology. [1]

A 2021 study separated older individuals into two groups: walkers and awe walkers. The awe walkers were told to experience awe during their walks by taking photographs and focusing on their surroundings rather than themselves. When compared to the regular walkers, the awe walkers had significantly more positive emotions and less anxiety and depression. [2] Now that’s taking something good, like walking, and making it even better.

Awe shifts our attention and energy outward instead of inward. In this way, awe can help quiet negative self-talk and encourage gratitude and optimism, two emotions that are also associated with better mental and physical health. [3] From a social standpoint, awe can help us be more generous and kind and feel more connected and compassionate with others, which can also positively influence our health. [4]

Research demonstrates that repeated exposure to awe positively affects our stress response, inflammation, hormonal activity, and brain function. [5] Appreciating awe on a consistent basis can also help ease symptoms of depression.

Awe in Action

There are so many ways to encourage awe-inspired moments. Keep in mind that awe is not something to wait for and it doesn’t have to be grand. As the research tells us, to get the health benefits of awe, it’s best to experience it on a consistent basis. The following are some ideas on how to do that.

Natural settings are common elicitors of awe, so being out in nature is a great way to infuse more awe into your day. And remember that study with the awe walkers? Experiencing awe while walking in nature is the trifecta. But even looking at pictures of natural wonders may elicit an awe response. Nature provides a variety of awe-inspired experiences. I’m personally in awe of birds, especially hummingbirds, and flowers, like the colorful ones that spring from those prickly cacti growing in the high desert climates. And how about clouds? I’m often in awe of clouds.

You can even insert awe into your meals, which is often referred to as mindful eating. By simply slowing the eating process and paying close attention to the sights, smells, tastes, and textures of our food, our physical and psychological well-being is positively influenced. [6] My friends who are foodies are great at finding awe in the cooking and eating experience.

We can also find awe when interacting with others through a process of active listening and truly caring about what the other person is saying. Showing interest in someone else is a great way to discover awe. In healthcare, research shows that active listening helps build trust and connection and improves patient outcomes. [7] While this may not be the same awe we feel at the top of a mountain, paying attention and being present can help build that awe muscle.

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The Awe Mindset

Awe is not a single event, it is a state of being. Over the years, I have appreciated the wisdom of the late Dr. Wayne Dyer who said, “Recapture the childlike feelings of wide-eyed excitement, spontaneous appreciation, cutting loose, and being full of awe and wonder at this magnificent universe.” He reminded us that the “fully integrated person is capable of being both an adult and a child simultaneously.” Looking at life through that lens may help us experience more awe daily.

As you wander, may you also wonder with awe.