Select Page

Awe_orig

What is Awe?

Awe is a feeling of wonder and admiration, often accompanied by a feeling of reverence or respect. It is a powerful emotion that can be evoked by natural phenomena such as the Grand Canyon, the Blue Mountains or a starry night sky, as well as by human achievements such as a beautiful piece of art or an act of heroism. Awe can leave us feeling small in the face of something greater than ourselves, but also connected to the world and to others in a profound way. It can inspire us to see the world in a new light, to contemplate the meaning of life, and to pursue our passions with renewed vigor. In recent years, psychologists have started to study the effects of awe on well-being and have found that it can have a range of positive effects, including increased feelings of generosity, empathy, and a greater sense of purpose in life.

What is the Link between Awe and Resilience?

Awe has been shown to be associated with greater resilience in individuals. Research suggests that experiencing awe can help people to better cope with stress, adversity, and trauma. Awe can expand one’s perspective and provide a sense of connection to something larger than oneself, leading to a greater sense of meaning and purpose in life. This can help individuals to view difficult situations as part of a larger, meaningful story, and can help them to find meaning and purpose in the midst of adversity. Additionally, experiencing awe has been found to increase positive emotions, such as joy, contentment, and gratitude, which can contribute to greater resilience. Overall, the link between awe and resilience highlights the importance of cultivating experiences of awe in order to build psychological strength and well-being.

Ways to Experience Awe

  1. Encouraging outdoor exploration: Spending time in nature can foster feelings of awe, so taking walks or hikes, going to parks, or visiting natural wonders with their children can help mothers experience awe.
  2. Practicing mindfulness: Being present in the moment and intentionally focusing on the beauty and wonder of their surroundings can help mothers experience awe in everyday life.
  3. Seeking out new experiences: Trying new activities or visiting new places can help mothers experience awe and broaden their perspectives.
  4. Fostering gratitude: Practicing gratitude can help mothers appreciate the small, everyday moments and feel a sense of awe for the people and experiences in their lives.
  5. Encouraging creativity: Engaging in creative activities such as art, music, or writing can help mothers tap into their sense of wonder and experience awe.
  6. Cultivating meaningful connections: Spending time with loved ones, connecting with others in their community, or volunteering for causes they are passionate about can help mothers experience awe through meaningful interactions.
  7. Practicing self-care: Taking care of their physical, emotional, and mental well-being can help mothers feel more grounded and open to experiencing awe in their lives. This can include activities such as exercise, meditation, or therapy.

Reading List for Awe

  1. The Power of Awe: A Journey Through the World’s Largest Forests, Mountains, and Rivers by Paul Stutzman
  2. Awe: Why It Matters for Everything We Think, Feel, and Do by Paul Piff
  3. The Art of Stillness: Adventures in Going Nowhere by Pico Iyer
  4. The Book of Delights: Essays by Ross Gay
  5. The Cloudspotter’s Guide: The Science, History, and Culture of Clouds by Gavin Pretor-Pinney
  6. The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative by Florence Williams
  7. Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
  8. The Alchemy of the Desert: A Comprehensive Guide to the Sonoran Desert by Anne Gray and Richard White
  9. The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate—Discoveries from A Secret World by Peter Wohlleben
  10. The Wild Trees: A Story of Passion and Daring by Richard Preston.