Why Awe is Your Secret Weapon for a Happier, Healthier Life

Most of my clients cite nature as being a source of awe in their lives. But it can be hiding almost anywhere, if you know how to look.

In our quest for well-being, we often chase the latest trends, seeking quick fixes for stress and disconnection. Yet, there’s a powerful, often overlooked emotion that holds immense potential for transforming our lives: awe. It’s the jaw-dropping feeling when you witness something truly extraordinary, something that expands your understanding of what’s possible. As a counselor, I’ve seen firsthand how cultivating this sense of wonder can be a game-changer for my clients (and certainly myself!), offering a profound pathway to meaningful presence and greater wellness.

The Science-Backed Power of Awe

Awe isn't just a pleasant feeling; it's a scientifically validated pathway to profound mental and physical benefits. Research defines awe as an emotion triggered by stimuli that are vast—physically, perceptually, or conceptually—and require us to accommodate our existing mental frameworks to make sense of them. Think of standing before a towering mountain range, witnessing an act of profound kindness, or watching an athlete achieve the seemingly impossible.

We don’t often associate hard science with awe, but yet, the connections and correlations are strong and meaningful.

This powerful emotion initiates several transformative processes within us. Firstly, awe has a remarkable ability to quiet our nervous system, reducing stress and even lowering levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are linked to chronic diseases. It momentarily shifts our focus away from the incessant chatter of our inner critic, offering a much-needed mental reset. Secondly, one of the most profound aspects of awe is its capacity to diminish our preoccupation with ourselves. When we experience awe, we feel a healthy sense of being a small part of something much larger. This "small self" effect reduces ego-centric thinking, fostering humility and a deeper connection to the world around us. Furthermore, awe doesn't just make us feel good; it makes us better. Studies show that experiencing awe increases our prosocial tendencies, making us more inclined towards kindness, generosity, and helping others. It strengthens our sense of belonging and integration within our communities and the broader human experience. Finally, by shifting our perspective beyond our daily concerns, awe helps us tap into a heightened sense of meaning and purpose. It reminds us of the beauty and wonder in the world, fostering a deeper appreciation for life itself.

Finding Awe in the Everyday (and the Extraordinary)

While nature is a classic source of awe, you don't need to climb a mountain to find it. Awe can be found in music, art, spiritual practices, and even in the incredible achievements of others. Right now (as of the writing of this article), the Olympic Games offer a spectacular example of this last point.

Consider these awe-inspiring moments from the recent 2026 Winter Olympics:

•A Gravity-Defying Backflip: American figure skater Ilia Malinin (who I got to meet once in California), known as the "Quad God," throws one helluva backflip (yes it’s a legal move) on one skate in his programs. He’s also invented his own “jump,” the raspberry twist, not to mention being the first ever to land a quadruple axel (4.5 rotations) And regardless of his final skate in Milan-Cortina, witnessing such a feat, where human dedication seemingly defies physics, is a powerful reminder of our boundless potential. It's a testament to years of relentless practice, creative innovation, and the courage to push boundaries.

The vast height of human ability can be a wellspring of awe.

•Record-Shattering Speed: The 21-year-old speed skating phenom, Jordan Stolz, obliterated a 24-year-old Olympic record in the men's 1000m, winning by the largest margin in history. Most of us would need a car to go as fast as he did. His performance was a masterclass in human precision and power, evoking a sense of wonder at the sheer capability of the human body.

These moments, whether on an ice rink or a speed track, illustrate the core components of awe: vastness in human potential and the need to accommodate our understanding of what's possible. They interrupt unhelpful thinking, bring us into the present, and connect us to something greater than ourselves—a shared human spirit of excellence and perseverance.

Cultivating Awe for Your Wellness Journey

So, how can you invite more awe into your life? It starts with open curiosity and a willingness to pause and truly observe. Tune into the Olympics with a sense of wonder (or go back and watch replays!), spend time in nature, listen to powerful music, or simply notice the intricate details of everyday life. These small shifts can lead to profound changes in your mental and physical well-being.

Cultivating awe is a powerful tool for making life magical and improving your wellbeing.

In my counseling work, I believe in a holistic, compassionate approach to healing and growth. Together, my clients and I explore transformative methodologies that recognize the interconnectedness of your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual self. Cultivating awe is absolutely one of the most powerful tools in your journey to lasting meaning and wellness.

Ready to explore how a deeper connection to yourself and the world can transform your life? Reach out for a free 20-minute consultation, or take the next step and book your first session. I’m here to support you in healing, growing, and elevating your life.

References

Monroy, M., & Keltner, D. (2022). Awe as a Pathway to Mental and Physical Health. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 18(2), 309–320.

Piff, P. K., Dietze, P., Feinberg, M., Stancato, D. M., & Keltner, D. (2015). Awe, the Small Self, and Prosocial Behavior. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 108(6), 883–899.

Bai, Y., Ocampo, J., Jin, G., Chen, S., & Keltner, D. (2021). Awe, daily stress, and elevated life satisfaction. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 120(4), 837–855.

Monroy, M., Uğurlu, Ö., Zerwas, F., Corona, R., Keltner, D., & Stellar, J. E. (2023). The influences of daily experiences of awe on stress, somatic health, and well-being: A longitudinal study during COVID-19. Scientific Reports, 13(1), 8089.

Monroy, M., & Keltner, D. (2025). Awe reduces depressive symptoms and improves well-being. Nature, 15(1), 96555.