Awe has long been lauded by philosophers and spiritual teachers
for its self-transcendent qualities that can reduce negative thinking and
self-occupation. Research on awe by psychologists has been increasing
exponentially over the last 20 years. A study at Berkeley found the benefits
similar to healthy changes in diet and exercise, including a lowered risk of
Type 2 Diabetes, clinical depression, heart disease, and arthritis. Research
published in the journal Psychological Science found that awe leads to feelings
of more available time, reduces impatience, and increases pro-social behaviors
and life satisfaction. Psychologists at the University of Pennsylvania
interviewed astronauts after viewing Earth from space, and they report
“an expanded sense of perspective on their lives, an increased sense of
connection to others, and a renewed sense of purpose.” For those of us not
venturing into space, research suggests that similar effects can be evoked by
watching awesome videos.
I hope that I have inspired you to try cultivating awe as a
process and practice to help you live life to its most awesome-filled
fullest.
Jen Perry, MSEd, MA, LPC is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Mindfulness Teacher and Peaceful Parenting Coach. Her passion is helping Highly Sensitive People thrive in life, love, and parenting. She has been in the field for twenty years and is devoted to studying the human psyche or soul and is often in awe in her studies of human compassion, strength, resilience, and consciousness. In addition to seeing clients individually, she offers mindfulness classes and self-compassion groups via video. Learn more about Jen and her practice at www.HeartfulnessConsulting.com [insert link to: https://heartfulnessconsulting.com]
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