Definition
We feel awe when we encounter something vast that challenges our understanding of the world.
>> Why We Have This Emotion
Awe helps us recognize forces larger than ourselves. It promotes humility, curiosity, and social cohesion by reminding us we're part of something bigger.
◈ How It Shows Up
Goosebumps or chillsJaw drops, eyes widenFeels small in a good wayTime seems to slowUrge to share the experience
◎ What to do in the moment
Good Ideas
- Let yourself be still in the moment
- Notice what specifically triggered the feeling
- Seek out more awe — nature, art, music, space
- Share it with someone
- Use it as a reminder of perspective
- Journal about what moved you
- Let it reorder your priorities, even briefly
Bad Ideas
- Rush past the moment to capture it on camera
- Dismiss it as silly or unproductive
- Compare it to someone else's experience
- Try to force it to happen again immediately
- Intellectualize it away
- Feel embarrassed for being moved
- Ignore the invitation to slow down