The Power of Awe for Well-being
From the SEARCH meta-framework (Waters and Loton, 2019) for well-being (previous episodes can be found here), we know that the E - emotional management is a pathway that we can engage to support our well-being.
A part of this is managing and accepting the emotions that naturally arise for us but positive psychology has also explored ways that we can intentionally generate emotions that can lead to positive well-being impacts.
One of those is awe.
Where Can You Find Awe?
While the natural world is a common source of awe, other sources include:
Outstanding Achievements: Witnessing the extraordinary accomplishments of others.
Art and Music: Experiencing powerful works of art or moving musical performances.
Benefits of Awe:
Increases perception of available time.
Enhances prosocial behaviour and overall well-being.
Reduces susceptibility to weak arguments.
Induces other positive emotions like love, optimism, and compassion.
Even has physical benefits, such as reduced inflammation.
(Schueller & Parks, 2014)
I know that what inspires awe in each of us may be different but in a bid to inspire more awe for your holidays, I am sharing three experiences that have created awe for me recently.
People: Lael Wilcox
Lael is one of the world’s best ultra- endurance bike riders. She rides ultra trails all across the world with some of her most notable achievements including finishing 1st overall out of both men and women in the 2016, 7,080 km Trans Am Bike trail across the United States. On May 26th she set off from Chicago to try and beat the women’s around the world cycling record, covering 18,000 miles in 110 days! You can track her journey here:
https://www.cyclingabout.com/exact-route-lael-wilcox-will-cycle-around-the-world-record/
Art: Dance Performance -Momentum:
I watched this in a square in Vienna and perhaps, the atmosphere, the warm summer evening and the company of a good friend added to the sense of awe but when I watch it back now, I still love it. It started with a taco chip - a young man dancing with his mother.
Nature: GR221 Mallorca
GR221 Mallorca
Those who know me are aware of how much nature contributes to my well-being. This picture and the one above were taken from walking the GR 221 - the Dry Stone Route which traverses the length of Mallorca. There were so many moments of awe but this was our last morning having some breakfast as the sun rose.
Where have you found awe recently?
I would love for you to share your recommendations and sources of awe. Please add any music, books, or places that have inspired awe to this LinkedIn post for us all to enjoy and create a ripple of positive emotions!
