For Stress, Try A.W.E.

By Jondi Gumz

Marshiari, in her 30s and mother of a 2-year-old, was feeling extreme stress after being diagnosed with aggressive triple-negative breast and undergoing chemo that was very hard on her body. She signed up for a study at UC Berkeley to see if the A.W.E. method would help people feeling depressed or anxious. She practiced at home, looking at the beautiful landscape outside her window, and breathing in and breathing out. Every time she practiced, she had a feeling of gratefulness for being alive, for enduring the treatment and for her husband and child who loved her.

She practiced during the Covid pandemic, too, finding that “terrifying thoughts go away.”

So what is the A.W.E. method?

Attention: Focusing your full attention on something you appreciate, value or find amazing.

Wait: Take a breath while you appreciate this cherished object.

Exhale & Expand: Make a slightly deeper exhalation than normal, allow what you are feeling to fill you & grow. Find your nervous system’s sweet spot. Did you relax?

Then repeat.

This strategy, based on neuroscience, is a way to reset your nervous system from “fight or flight” to safety.

The method and the studies confirming its value after three weeks is the subject of a new book, “The Power of A.W.E,” by psychotherapist Jake Eagle and Dr. Michael Amster, who works at Santa Cruz Community Health.

The co-authors recommend exercising your A.W.E, muscle with 21 days of practice. Spend the first seven days appreciating nature, the second seen days appreciating your environment – music, a book, a painting, an heirloom, a meal, even silence – then seven days appreciating people, a neighbor, friend or family member.

Practicing with a buddy can help. So can journaling about your awe moments, or sharing them at ThePowerofAwe.com website.

In these times, who wouldn’t like to find awe? 