How to Experience Everyday Awe
“He who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe is as good as dead; his eyes are closed”
Albert Einstein
For much of my life, awe wasn’t something I consciously sought. It felt like a rare emotion felt sparingly in the most extraordinary of circumstances. I imagined awe was something to be felt in grand events like visiting the Grand Canyon, experiencing the beauty of Greece, or the moment of giving birth.
While I can certainly say that moments like these filled me with awe, gratitude, and joy, I began to wonder: can this feeling be experienced more often? In everyday life? Or is awe truly reserved for only rare, extraordinary moments?
Awe is defined as a feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder. It is rooted in interest and curiosity. Intertwined with love, gratitude and compassion. It is often felt in the presence of something vast–something that challenges our perspectives and makes us feel small. This is why awe tends to be most prominently felt in monumental events. Yet, it’s not limited to the grand and spectacular. Awe can be found in the small, everyday moments too. Sometimes, we just need to know where to look.
Psychology professor and awe researcher Dacher Keltner identifies 8 wonders where we can find awe–many of which are present in our daily lives. They prove that awe isn’t just something to be experienced in rare moments, but something that we can open ourselves up to regularly. Let’s take a look at each one.
Moral Beauty: Awe can be sparked by witnessing an act of kindness, courage, or compassion. Whether it’s a stranger helping someone in need, a parent comforting a child, or simply seeing a moment of pure human connection, these acts can leave us deeply moved. The emotional surge you feel–the tears, the warmth in your chest–that’s awe in the form of moral beauty.
Collective Movement/Effervescence: Awe often arises when people unite in a shared experience. Think of the energy in a packed stadium as fans cheer when their team scores or the calm shared by everyone in a yoga class. In these moments, we feel part of something bigger than ourselves, a collective energy transcending the individual.
Spirituality: Spirituality is a profound source of awe, whether through meditation, prayer, or simply lighting a candle for your angels. It often invokes a sense of peace and surrender to something greater than ourselves. In these quiet, reflective moments, we can feel a deep connection to the universe.
Music: From the first chords of a favorite song to the intricate beauty of a symphony, music has the power to move us in ways words often cannot. Whether it’s the raw emotion in a live performance or the way a song can flood your mind with memories, music creates a deep emotional resonance that can leave us in awe of its beauty and complexity.
Visual Design: Walking through a city and noticing the intricate details of a building or pausing to appreciate a work of art can trigger the awe of grandeur, creativity and intricacy. The beauty and craftsmanship of these creations leave us in awe of human potential and the wonder of design.
Nature: Whether it’s the vastness of the Grand Canyon or the simple beauty of morning light streaming through your bedroom window, nature is a powerful source of awe. It reminds us of the vastness of the world and our small, yet meaningful, place within it.
Big Ideas: Awe is not just about what we see but also about what we learn. Discovering groundbreaking ideas, having an "Aha!" moment, or reading a thought–provoking book can all evoke a sense of awe. These moments challenge our perspectives and expand our understanding of the world.
Life Cycle: The cycle of life holds a unique sense of awe. From the wonder of becoming a parent to the quiet reflection that comes with losing a loved one, these moments remind us of the fleeting nature of time. The seasons of life, both in nature and in our own experiences, bring deep, emotional awe that reminds us of the beauty in every chapter.
The beauty of awe is that it’s available to us all, at any time. Whether through the kindness of others, the power of nature, or a profound moment of creativity, awe is waiting to be found. I invite you to slow down and notice the everyday moments that stir this sense of wonder in your life. After all, it’s in the smallest of moments that we often find the greatest beauty.