HOW AWE CAN

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 inspiraworld, even by just visiting a local park, tion? What happens in your body, and what and notice the beauty all around. emotions arise, when you come face-toface with these sorts of moments? This feeling—often complete with goosebumps and a shiver down the spine—is known as awe. And as it turns out, this underappreciated and often misunderstood emotion just Appreciate the good:Slow down and appreciate the small stuff—the aroma of morning coffee, time with loved ones, having a roof over our heads or even just the breath. Look for inspiration: The current might hold the key to a happy, meaningful challenges around the world have also and healthy life. shown some of the best of humanity. Spend

Although we might think of awe as a time learning about the people making a rare experience, awe-inspiring moments difference and experience a sense of awe are all around us. We don’t have to climb to through their courage. the summit of Mount Everest or stand atop Expand the mind: Learning about the Eiffel Tower to reap the many benefits mind-expanding topics like astronomy, the of awe. Instead, we can learn to notice the human brain or anything else that captures changing colors of the leaves, truly see the the imagination can be a great way to harjoy in a child’s eyes or allow ourselves to ness a feeling of awe. be uplifted by the kindness of a stranger. Foster connection:The next time we’re When we do, it not only feels good in the with the people we love, take a moment to moment—it actually can change life in appreciate how awe-inspiring it is to have lasting and profound ways. In fact, cuttingthe capacity to love and forge bonds the edge research has shown that awe holds way that we do. many benefits, ranging from improved mental health, stronger immune systems, Jonah Paquette is a psychologist, author and increased compassion, strengthened social international speaker specializing in the science bonds and much more. In short, the moof happiness and well-being. His newest book, ments that make us go, “Wow!” can be the Awestruck, explores how moments of awe very moments that lastingly change our and wonder can transform our lives. For more lives for the better. information, visit JonahPaquette.com.

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