How Could Your Life Be More Awe-Filled?

“I've looked at clouds from both sides now, from up and down and still somehow
It's cloud illusions I recall, I really don't know clouds at all.”  Joni Mitchell (Both Sides Now)

Would you like to experience more awe in your life – to have more moments when the sense of wonderment figuratively “takes your breath away?”  If so, I have good news for you.  We are surrounded daily by such opportunities.  It simply involves the process of “adjusting your lens.”    

An experience of awe involves the feeling that you’re in the presence of something that transcends, challenges, or deepens your understanding and/or appreciation of the world.  This might be found in nature, art, a mind-stretching idea, or an impressive feat.  The experience is often subtle, such as gaining a new appreciation for the complexity of life (staring at a flower or the clouds) or the beauty of life (being in the presence of a newborn baby).  It is often described as being reminded that we are part of something much bigger. 

Since I was a young boy, I have always been a “cloud watcher” – not in the forecasting sense as much as the aesthetic sense.  Daily I find myself awed and amazed by the many different forms of “cloud play” that unfold  through light, color, texture, layering, shape, and shadows.  Yet over the past month, I have experienced two cloud phenomenon that I had never seen before.  The first was the now self-named “cloudbow,” where the colors of a rainbow appeared only within the confines of a cloud in the midst of a completely sunny day.  The second was a phenomenon I have called “cloud light” creating shadows (think “moon light”).  This occurred prior to a sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean this past weekend, when the light of dawn was lighting up clouds higher up in the sky, which were then reflecting that light on lower lying clouds, casting shadows onto the water.  In both cases, there were other witnesses who were all spellbound by what we were seeing, and afterward, we excitedly shared the experience with each other and those not present.    

Indeed, early studies of the experience of awe have revealed that it plays an important purpose for social connectedness and even collaborative action.   Additionally, the experience of awe has been linked to better emotional health, clearer thinking and increased generosity.  And research has begun to show how we might welcome more of it in our everyday lives.

So back to my original question.  Would you like to experience more awe in your life?  Certainly our work in healthcare provides us many moments of “awe-filled” potential.  The brief quiz at this link  will help you find out how ( The Power of Awe Quiz ).  When you're done, you'll receive tips for expanding your daily awe experience.  And as this happens, remember to share what you are experiencing with others, perhaps starting with your PeerRxMed partner.   It will allow you to get to know life in a whole new and exciting way, and provide another “excuse” to connect more deeply with them.  Not that you needed one ….