Sometimes, a silent sunrise or a starlit sky takes our breath away. Other times, it’s the sound of music echoing in a quiet room or a story that pulls at something deep inside us. We call this feeling awe. But what is awe, really, and why does it matter? We believe the science behind awe opens new paths for self-understanding and awareness that can change lives.
Understanding awe: More than just wonder
Awe is a unique emotion. It combines a sense of vastness with the urge to accommodate new ideas or experiences. When we stand before something larger than ourselves—nature, art, human achievement—we often lose ourselves for a brief moment.
Awe is not just about being impressed; it is about feeling small and connected at the same time.
Psychologists have studied awe for years. They find that awe involves these two key things:
- A sense of vastness (in size, power, time, or complexity)
- A need to revise our understanding of the world
In our own experiences, awe sometimes arrives unexpectedly. A conversation with a wise person, a sudden realization during meditation, or seeing kindness in action can spark it. Awe stretches our perspective, softening the edges of our daily routines.
How awe changes our awareness
Many of us wonder how awe links to awareness. At first, the connection may not seem obvious. But a growing scientific view states: Awe can interrupt our usual patterns of attention and offer a new sense of presence in the world.
Here are several ways awe shapes our awareness:
- Expands attention: Awe draws our focus outward. We notice details and patterns we usually miss.
- Reduces self-focus: In moments of awe, our worries and to-do lists seem smaller.
- Heightens senses: Sounds, sights, and even smells feel stronger.
- Promotes reflection: After feeling awe, we often pause and reflect on our place in the bigger picture.
These changes are not random. Research suggests that when we experience awe, our brains shift activity from regions involved in self-processing to those involved in connecting with others and the environment.
What happens in the brain during awe
Awe may feel personal, but its signature can be found in our brains and bodies.
During awe, the brain’s default mode network—the part responsible for thinking about ourselves—calms down. At the same time, regions related to perception and attention become more active. This shift gives us a gentle reset, making space for new insights and connections.
People experiencing awe may also show lower levels of stress hormones and feel a sense of calm. Their sense of time can slow, bringing a rare feeling of stillness.
Everyday ways to seek awe
Awe is not reserved for rare moments. In our lives, we find that seeking awe can be part of any routine. It doesn’t require standing at the foot of a mountain or traveling to see the northern lights.
Here are a few paths to everyday awe:
- Walking in a park at sunrise or sunset
- Listening to moving music or watching a favorite performance
- Looking closely at the details of a flower or insect
- Reading about discoveries that change the way we see the world
- Pausing to watch children or animals play
We find that awe is often hidden in the ordinary, waiting for us to notice. Sometimes all it takes is a conscious pause—the willingness to be surprised.
Why does awe make us more curious?
As soon as awe pulls us out of autopilot, we often want to know more. This curiosity can spread from one area of life to many others.
Awe sparks a desire to learn, to ask questions, and to see things differently. When we talk to others after an awe-filled experience, our conversations tend to shift. We become more open and present. Sometimes, simple questions—How did that happen? How do we fit in?—lead to deep connections.
The social side of awe
Awe is rarely just a solitary experience. When we share moments that awe us, even quietly, we feel closer to others. Studies have found that awe makes people behave with more generosity and compassion. It can also decrease conflict and help us see each person as worthy of respect.
Awe bridges the gap between self and others.
We see this effect when people join together to watch a powerful event or witness something beautiful. For a moment, social barriers seem to loosen, and a sense of unity grows.
Expanding self-awareness through awe
Self-awareness is the skill of noticing our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors as they happen. When awe invites us to step outside ourselves, it gently reveals both our strengths and our limitations.
By lowering our usual self-focus, awe can make room for new understanding. This openness can deepen insight, slow our reactions, and encourage us to live with intention and empathy. For those seeking personal growth, awe is a powerful companion.
Conclusion: Awe is a key to greater awareness
We believe that awe is far more than a fleeting emotion. It is a call to pay attention, to widen our perspective, and to appreciate connections. Whether found in grand landscapes or quiet moments, awe refreshes our awareness of the present and the wider world.
In the pace of daily life, awe is a reminder that wonder still belongs to us—and that awareness begins with how we choose to see.
Frequently asked questions
What is awe in science?
In scientific terms, awe is an emotion triggered by encountering something vast that challenges our usual ways of understanding. This could be something physically large, emotionally powerful, or intellectually complex. Awe often makes us feel small and connected, and it encourages us to update our view of the world.
How does awe increase awareness?
Awe increases awareness by shifting our focus away from ourselves and toward the environment or the present moment. This expanded focus allows us to notice details, patterns, and connections that we might otherwise miss. Our minds become more open and curious, helping us reflect and see multiple perspectives with greater clarity.
What are benefits of feeling awe?
Feeling awe has several positive effects. It can lower stress, increase happiness, and help us feel more connected to others. Awe supports curiosity and creative thinking, can improve mood, and encourages kindness and generosity in social interactions. Research even shows that awe can make everyday problems seem smaller and inspire gratitude.
How can I experience more awe?
You can experience more awe by intentionally seeking new or beautiful experiences—such as spending time in nature, listening to moving music, or learning about inspiring ideas. Pausing to observe details, appreciating simple wonders, and staying open to surprises are all ways to invite awe into daily life. You do not need to travel far; often, it is enough to pay close attention to the world around you.
Is it worth it to seek awe?
Yes, seeking awe is valuable. The experience boosts awareness, supports mental well-being, and can make us feel more connected and compassionate. Instead of only waiting for awe to arrive, choosing to look for it can add depth, presence, and joy to our everyday lives.
