HOW AWE CAN

How Awe Can Transform Our Lives

by Jonah Paquette

What do you feel when you gaze Seek out nature: Connect to the natural up at the night sky, listen to a world, even by just visiting a local park, soul-stirring piece of music or and notice the beauty all around. witness an act of great courage or inspira- tion? What happens in your body, and what Appreciate the good:Slow down and emotions arise, when you come face-to-face appreciate the small stuff—the aroma of with these sorts of moments? This feeling— morning coffee, time with loved ones, having often complete with goosebumps and a shiv- a roof over our heads or even just the breath. er down the spine—is known as awe. And as Look for inspiration: The current it turns out, this underappreciated and often misunderstood emotion just might hold the key to a happy, meaningful and healthy life. Although we might think of awe as a challenges around the world have also shown some of the best of humanity. Spend time learning about the people making a rare experience, awe-inspiring moments difference and experience a sense of awe are all around us. We don’t have to climb through their courage. to the summit of Mount Everest or stand Expand the mind: Learning about atop the Eiffel Tower to reap the many mind-expanding topics like astronomy, the benefits of awe. Instead, we can learn to notice the changing colors of the leaves, truly see the joy in a child’s eyes or allow ourselves to be uplifted by the kindness human brain or anything else that captures the imagination can be a great way to har- ness a feeling of awe. of a stranger. When we do, it not only Foster connection:The next time we’re feels good in the moment—it actually can with the people we love, take a moment to change life in lasting and profound ways. appreciate how awe-inspiring it is to have In fact, cutting-edge research has shown the capacity to love and forge bonds the that awe holds many benefits, ranging from improved mental health, stronger way that we do. immune systems, increased compassion, strengthened social bonds and much more. In short, the moments that make us go, Jonah Paquette is a psychologist, author and international speaker specializing in the science “Wow!” can be the very moments that of happiness and well-being. His newest book, lastingly change our lives for the better. Awestruck, explores how moments of awe

Here are some ways we can find more and wonder can transform our lives. For more awe in our daily life: information, visit JonahPaquette.com.