The Complexity of Awe Blog Post 6/4/26
Have you ever had an awe experience?
PSYCHOLOGY
Maya
6/4/20263 min read
Have you ever been outside and seen the changes in the color of the trees, looked out into the sunset and stared at the blend of color in the sky, or experienced the divine connection of God and couldn’t put into words exactly how you feel? You may notice possible feelings of amazement, fear, and wonder. While exploring the complexity of the awe emotion, it is essential to recognize that Awe is not a one-dimensional emotion. Experiencing awe occurs when we encounter something that challenges or extends our understanding of the world around us. Depending on the experience in itself, awe can be considered positive and negative. For example, one may experience a natural disaster that can be awe-inspiring, such as a tornado, but still be terrified of it. Experiencing a negative awe experience does not have the same effects as a postive awe experience. According to Piff et al., an individual who experiences threat-based awe experiences increased activation of the sympathetic nervous system (the fight-or-flight response).
The Power of the Awe Emotion on Your Health
If you are lacking awe experiences in your daily life, it may be impacting your mental and physical health. Research shows that awe experiences increase social connections, prosocial behaviors, and compassion, and increase curiosity, engaging one to look outside the self and find greater meaning (Monroy & Keltner, 2022). When we experience consistent awe moments in day-to-day life, it will lead to a decrease in mental and physical health factors such as PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, stress, headaches, and stomach aches, while increasing our cardiovascular health and overall well-being (Monroy & Keltner, 2022).
How can you Experience Awe in your Daily life?
Enhancing your Spiritual Life: Daily prayer and worship can increase awe experiences in your daily life. Recognizing that there is a higher power brings you an enhanced sense of humility and a deeper connection to something greater than you.
Increase Present Moments: Add small moments in your day-to-day that allow you to pause your busy schedule and assess your surroundings through your 5 senses (See, Smell, Taste, Hear, and Touch). These pauses allow you to have experiences outside of yourself and increase emotions such as wonder, curiosity, and amazement.
Nature: Creating experiences in the outdoors can reduce stress, decrease rumination, and elevate one’s well-being. Here are a few activities you can implement in your day-to-day, such as hiking, daily walk, watching the sunset/sunrise, and observing the nature around you (trees, flowers, and birds)
Music: Listening to music with substance can create a sense of awe. Finding meaningful tunes can shift your perspective on your circumstances (Seeing the Bigger Picture) and increase feelings of gratitude.
Community: If you want to gain an understanding of the world outside of yourself. You can find a community and increase your sense of belonging. This will lessen any self-centered tendencies or narcissistic behaviors.
Acts of Kindness: You can find ways in your daily life to provide acts of kindness and service to others. Some examples of acts of kindness include holding the door for others, giving to the homeless, paying it forward, or helping family members or friends.
Questions to Ponder Until Next Time:
How have you experienced Awe, and what was that experience like for you?
How would you like to increase your Awe experiences in your day-to-day life?
Sources:
Monroy, M., & Keltner, D. (2022). Awe as a Pathway to Mental and Physical Health. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 18(2), 174569162210948. https://doi.org/10.1177/17456916221094856
Piff, Paul K., et al. “Awe, the Small Self, and Prosocial Behavior.” Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, vol. 108, no. 6, 2015, pp. 883–899, https://doi.org/10.1037/pspi0000018. Accessed 5 Nov. 2019.
spiritualmeanings. (2025, July 19). The Power of Awe: Opening to the Ineffable in Everyday Life | Spiritual Meanings Guide. Spiritualmeaningsguide.com. https://spiritualmeaningsguide.com/the-power-of-awe-opening-to-the-ineffable-in-everyday-life/
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website, including all thoughts, strategies, and faith-based perspectives, is for educational and inspirational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, licensed therapist, or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog.
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, thoughts of self-harm, or a medical emergency, please call your local emergency services (like 911 or 988 in the US) or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
Connect
Join our community for fresh insights weekly
Contact
Follow
© 2025. All rights reserved.