HOW AWE CAN

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How Awe Can Transform Our Lives

by Jonah Paquette

What do you feel when you gaze Here are some ways we can find more up at the night sky, listen to a awe in our daily life: soul-stirring piece of music or Seek out nature: Connect to the natural witness an act of great courage or inspiration? world, even by just visiting a local park, and What happens in your body, and what emonotice the beauty all around. tions arise, when you come face-to-face with Appreciate the good:Slow down and apthese sorts of moments? This feeling—often preciate the small stuff—the aroma of morncomplete with goosebumps and a shiver down ing coffee, time with loved ones, having a roof the spine—is known as awe. And as it turns over our heads or even just the breath. out, this underappreciated and often misunderstood emotion just might hold the key to a happy, meaningful and healthy life. Although we might think of awe as Look for inspiration: The current chal lenges around the world have also shown some of the best of humanity. Spend time learning about the people making a differa rare experience, awe-inspiring moments ence and experience a sense of awe through are all around us. We don’t have to climb to their courage. the summit of Mount Everest or stand atop the Eiffel Tower to reap the many benefits of awe. Instead, we can learn to notice the changing colors of the leaves, truly see the joy in a child’s eyes or allow ourselves to be uplifted by the kindness of a stranger. When we do, it not only feels good in the moExpand the mind: Learning about mind-expanding topics like astronomy, the human brain or anything else that captures the imagination can be a great way to harness a feeling of awe. Foster connection:The next time we’re ment—it actually can change life in lasting with the people we love, take a moment to and profound ways. In fact, cutting-edge research has shown that awe holds many benefits, ranging from improved mental appreciate how awe-inspiring it is to have the capacity to love and forge bonds the way that we do. health, stronger immune systems, increased compassion, strengthened social bonds and much more. In short, the moments that make Jonah Paquette is a psychologist, author and international speaker specializing in the science of happiness and well-being. His newest book, us go, “Wow!” can be the very moments that Awestruck, explores how moments of awe and lastingly change our lives for the better. wonder can transform our lives. For more information, visit JonahPaquette.com.

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Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you .

~Frank Lloyd Wright