Ever since I immersed myself in the world of holistic health, I have been fascinated by the mind-body connection. It has been well-established by research that emotions affect our physiology. While you might immediately think about the harmful effects of negative emotions on the body (such as stress, anger, resentment), it is fun to flip the script and drink from the glass half full for a change.
I recently finished the book Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life. The reason I chose to read it was two-fold: I continue to think back on all of the awe I experienced during my three-month backpacking trip in Europe years ago; it just so happens to be a time I felt my best, and I believe the positive emotion was a contributing factor. Secondly, with a toddler and baby on the way, I am in the thick of motherhood – a season of life that can often feel mundane. But if boredom is an emotion I feel on most days, I know that is my choice. Awe is all around me, and I wanted a gentle reminder to see that instead.
One particular study cited in the book caught my attention. When looking at how positive emotions affect inflammation, experiencing awe resulted in the lowest level of proinflammatory cytokines. Chronic inflammation has been tied to heart disorders, cancer, obesity, diabetes and other forms of disease, so it is a critical factor to consider when it comes to wellness. We can eat right and exercise all week long, but taking the time to nurture our mental and emotional health is equally as important.
What exactly is awe?
Awe is a complex emotion – one that can both be generally defined and highly individual. Essentially, we feel awe in response to something experienced above and beyond our usual perception of understanding. Other elements involved in awe include admiration, appreciation, wonder, reverence and connection. Examples of awe range from significant moments that may change the course of your life, to something you see in every day life. For example, standing at the precipice of the Grand Canyon, holding your newborn for the first time, or witnessing an act of kindness at your local grocery store. However awe arises, studies show the emotion enhances both mental and physical health.
How you can experience awe is every day life
It seems as if the chances of experiencing awe are increased when doing something new and different (i.e. sightseeing while traveling), but that doesn’t mean there aren’t things at which to marvel in daily life. This is where both intentionality and perception come into play – having the awareness that awe is something you want to and can feel so that is the lens through which you are looking. Even if you feel stuck in a routine, the moment-to-moment unfolding of our experience is always new when we are being truly present (my life coach taught me that). That doesn’t mean being present will inherently increase awe, but when you are open to the “newness,” you may be more likely to notice something you may have missed. And while awe arises naturally alongside other emotions such as admiration, wonder, curiosity, and appreciation, it could also be considered a choice – choosing to feel awe as a response when the situation or circumstance calls for it.
Recent examples of when I have felt awe
Morning walk sunrise and a cool bird
There is a particular place during my morning walk that takes my breath away. When the sun is rising while standing at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the sky never fails to disappoint. Feelings of awe, serenity, and reverence wash over me. This is a moment I choose to feel awe every time.
I felt additional awe one day as I was walking through the museum grounds and I came upon the most exotic bird. I had never seen a bird like this in Richmond before. Its coloring was so cool, and I just stopped and studied it for a minute.
Bobby Finke winning the Olympic gold in 1500m freestyle
It was so much fun having the Olympics on this summer. Most of the time, it was on in the background while we went about our evening (fixing dinner, chasing our toddler, getting ready for the next day), but there were a few events that I watched more intently. When the men swam the 1500m freestyle race, with US swimmer Bobby Finke in the lead the entire time, I was in complete awe. But that is 30 laps! I remember thinking. The endurance that must have taken to swim (and win!) that race.
Pregnancy
Despite having experienced it once before, pregnancy – and the evolution that takes place – never fails to amaze me. It is a constant, daily reminder of the power and intelligence of the female body. Both pregnancies have provided me with a unique sense of awe and appreciation for my body, putting physical health and wellness into a different perspective.
