Everyday Wonder: The Psychology and Benefits of Awe

Sep 28

“Awe is the beginning of wisdom.”

— Socrates

Recently, as I traveled by air to visit family in another, I was struck, as I always am, by the wonder of flight. Maybe because I’ve spent most of my life with my feet on the ground and don’t fly that often, I still find the experience of flying absolutely exhilarating. There’s the physical thrill—the push of gravity against the seat, the butterflies in the stomach—and that sense of awe: the amazement that human beings can soar into the skies so routinely, and spanning distances in hours that just a few generations ago would have taken months, or even years to cross.

View of clouds from airplane window. The experience of awe and wonder.

As the plane was taking off, I happened to noticed the people around me; the man beside me lost in his book, the women behind me chatting away, across the aisle a couple sat scrolling their phones, headphones in their ears… as if nothing remarkable were happening.

And yet there we were—encapsulated in this shiny tube of alloy—defying gravity, our bodies being hurled into the sky at tremendous speed, fulfilling the dream of generations of men, women, and children who for eons have gazed into the heavens and longed to be there: to fly like a bird!

In that moment I was struck by this masterful achievement! A miracle, really—built on the work and ingenuity of countless individuals, many literally sacrificing their lives, so that we might know and do this amazing thing, and do it well: to FLY comfortably and safely.

I found myself wondering why are we not all quiet and attentive? Why are we not bowing our heads in gratitude and humility, or applauding this extraordinary feat of human accomplishment? Why are we not allowing ourselves to be fully present in this experience with a sense of reverence and awe?

And then I smiled, realizing my own distraction as I sat critically observing others instead of being fully present in the awe and wonder of it myself.

What Is Awe?

Psychologists Dacher Keltner and Jonathan Haidt describe awe as “the feeling of being in the presence of something vast that transcends your understanding of the world.” (Cognition & Emotion, 17(2), 297–314).

The definition of awe includes both the recognition of vastness—something greater than ourselves—a sense of transcendence, where our perspective must stretch to take in the new experience.

Awe is an experience that moves us physiologically as well as emotionally. Awe brings goosebumps, chills, widened eyes, or even tears. Breathing often slows and deepens, and the heart rate may shift as the body settles into calm. Brain scans show awe quiets self-focus, while hormones linked to connection and well-being increase. Even inflammation markers in the body decrease.

Awe can be intentionally elicited by observing nature, in taking in art and music, in spiritual or religious experience, in witnessing human courage or kindness, and even in moments of intellectual discovery.

The Benefits of Awe

Research shows awe changes us in powerful and measurable ways:

Expands perspective — Awe quiets the ego and helps us feel connected to something larger than ourselves. (Keltner & Haidt, 2003; Bai et al., 2017)
Boosts well-being — Studies show awe reduces stress and increases life satisfaction. (Rudd, Vohs, & Aaker, 2012)
Promotes humility and gratitude — People report feeling less entitled and more appreciative after awe experiences. (Stellar et al., 2018)
Strengthens social bonds — Awe inspires generosity, cooperation, and empathy. (Piff et al., 2015)
Supports physical health — Awe has been associated with reduced inflammation and healthier biological markers. (Stellar et al., 2015)

In short: awe benefits us biologically, psychologically, socially, as well as spiritually.

Cultivating Awe in Daily Life

The experience of awe is not reserved when we’re summiting a mountain or sitting on a tropical beach. It is available, often hidden in plain sight, if we slow down enough to let ourselves feel it.

Ways to cultivate awe include:

Spending time in nature—watching the sunrise, looking long and closely at a flower, or gazing at the night sky.
Listening to music that stirs the soul.
Reading poetry or spiritual texts that open new perspectives.
Standing before art or architecture that moves you.
Recognizing small moments of human kindness or courage.
Noticing the extraordinary within the ordinary—like the miracle of flight. Or even more extraordinary, the miracle of your own life.

An Invitation

Surrounded by distractions of our fast paced, frenetic lifestyles, we can forget to notice the simple wonder right before us. And yet moments of awe can be cultivated daily - moments of intentional awareness, appreciation and awakening that bring gratitude, humility, peace and connection.

💭 When was the last time you paused and felt awe?

I’d love to hear your reflections in the comments.