Awe is described as the emotion that arises in response to experiences that we perceive to be strikingly vast and changes the way we understand the world (Keltner & Haidt, 2003). Rudd, Vohs, and Aaker (2012) discovered that evoking a sense of awe expands people’s perception of time, reduces feelings of impatience, increases willingness to volunteer time to help other people, leads to a stronger preference for experiences over material products, and increases life satisfaction. Oftentimes, also increasing generosity and humility. They concluded that “experiences of awe bring people into the present moment, and being in the present moment underlies awe’s capacity to adjust time perception, influence decisions, and make life feel more satisfying than it would otherwise” (p. 1130). There are tools to assist clients and children to increase their awareness and connection with this state if AWE. Let’s think about a time when you experienced AWE, and then write about this experience in detail. Then, as an optional next step, but highly recommended to keep an AWE journal – a journal or diary you write in when you experience Awe.
When considering the method to use to recall awe, you may want to do this by physically writing, especially writing with the opposite dominant hand (to increase awareness, focus and mindfulness as well as creativity); some might want to record these moments digitally.
We advise our clients that every day presents with opportunities to savour and benefit from awe moments, though a level of mindfulness is required to take these opportunities. Without some degree of mindfulness, they are unable (or at least much less likely) to notice an awesome experience, let alone bask in it.
Oftentimes, we believe that awe can only be experienced in great, life changing events. For those of you who believe this, it is important to understand that awe can be found in everyday commonplace things. This is where it becomes helpful for you to consider your everyday life and where awe moments can be found.
The benefits of this can be found when we are feeling overwhelmed by everyday stress or negative affect. Research has shown that evoking awe has a way of lifting people outside of their usual selves and connecting them with something more substantial and more significant. Taking the time to reflect on past experiences of awe, can help people develop a broader sense of connectedness and purpose and help them relieve negative moods and improve positive emotional states.
Think back to a time when you felt a sense of awe regarding something you saw or experienced. Perhaps you witnessed something special in nature, observed an overwhelming act of kindness, or had a critical lightbulb moment. For this exercise, try to think of the most recent experience you’ve had that involved the feeling of awe. Allow yourself to relive this moment of awe by closing your eyes for a few minutes and remembering as much about the experience as you can.
Creating an AWE diary is a powerful way to hold onto and create realisation of AWE in your life. It’s not necessarily a way to escape the world, but to be more in tune with its potential, and even your own.
References
■ Keltner, D., & Haidt, J. (2003). Approaching awe, a moral, spiritual, and aesthetic
emotion. Cognition & Emotion, 17, 297-314.
■ Rudd, M., Vohs, K. D., & Aaker, J. (2012). Awe expands people’s perception of
time, alters decision making, and enhances well-being. Psychological science, 23,