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.