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 state, I was struck by the wonder of flight. Maybe because I’ve spent most of my life with my feet on the ground and don’t fly often, I still find the experience of flying absolutely exhilarating. There’s the physical thrill at take off—the push of gravity against the seat, the butterflies in the stomach—and once airborne, that sense of awe; the breathtaking views once reserved for the gods, and the amazement that human beings can soar into the skies so routinely, comfortably spanning great distances in a matter of hours—journeys that just a few generations ago would have been perilous, taking months, or even years.

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

As the plane was lifting off the ground, I happened to take notice of the people around me: the man beside me lost in his book, the women behind me chatting away, and across the aisle a couple 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 had 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 inspiration, hard 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 those around me instead of being fully present in the awe and wonder of the moment 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—and a sense of transcendence, where our perspective must stretch to take in a new and broader experience.

Awe moves us physiologically as well as emotionally. It can bring 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 markers of inflammation in the body decrease.

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

The Benefits of Awe

Research shows that 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 — Awe has been shown to reduce stress and increase 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 linked to reduced inflammation and healthier biological markers (Stellar et al., 2015).

In short, awe benefits us biologically, psychologically, socially, and spiritually.

Cultivating Awe in Daily Life

The experience of awe is not reserved for summiting a mountain or sitting on a tropical beach while on vacation. 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, noticing the details of a flower or insect, or gazing at the night sky.
Listening to music that stirs the soul.
Reading poetry or spiritual texts that speak deeply to you or open new perspectives.
Standing before art or architecture that moves you.
Recognizing small moments of human kindness or courage.
Meditating on those around us — people laughing, a child sleeping, an elderly couple holding hands, or the unique smile of someone you love.
Discovering new ideas — intellectual insights or creative breakthroughs that expand your understanding of yourself and the world.
Marveling at science and innovation — from the elegance of mathematics to the intricate design of a single cell, even the technological wonder of the device you’re using now.
Reflecting on our ancestry and human history — the struggles, resilience, and accomplishments of those who came before you.
Contemplating the Sacred — the complexity and mystery of the universe, your place within it, and the Power and Love behind it.
Noticing the extraordinary within the ordinary — like the miracle of flight. Or even more extraordinary, the miracle of your own life and consciousness.

An Invitation

Surrounded by the distractions of a fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook the simple wonder right before us. Yet awe does not have to be rare—it can be cultivated each day through moments of intentional awareness and appreciation, awakening in us a deeper sense of gratitude, humility, peace, and connection.

💭 How do you cultivate Awe? When was the last time you paused and felt awe and wonder?