What Is Awe?
Awe is a complex, often overlooked emotion that arises when we encounter something vast, beautiful, or beyond our understanding. This can include experiences in nature, art, music, spirituality, or even witnessing acts of moral courage or kindness. Unlike joy or excitement, awe tends to shift our focus away from ourselves and toward something larger—creating a sense of humility, openness, and perspective.
How Awe Affects Mental Health
Research in the field of positive psychology has found that awe can play a significant role in improving mental well-being. According to Keltner and Haidt (2003), awe has the power to “quiet the self,” reduce rumination, and shift attention away from ego-driven concerns. More recently, Sturm et al. (2023) demonstrated that awe can lower symptoms of anxiety and depression, increase social connection, and even promote a physiological “reset,” such as slower breathing and reduced heart rate.
Experiencing awe may also help individuals build psychological resilience. When you feel awe, your usual worries can shrink in comparison to the vastness of what you’re witnessing. This “small self” perspective has been linked to increased generosity, improved mood, and greater life satisfaction (Piff et al., 2015).
Everyday Awe: It’s Closer Than You Think
Awe doesn’t require a mountaintop or a symphony orchestra. It can be as simple as watching clouds drift, listening to music that moves you, stargazing on a quiet night, or noticing how sunlight hits your kitchen table. Even recalling a memory that once filled you with wonder can evoke awe and its calming effects.
One of the most beautiful things about awe is its accessibility—it costs nothing, requires no schedule, and asks only for your attention. By pausing, observing, and allowing yourself to be moved by something greater, you create space for healing, clarity, and deep emotional restoration.
References:
Keltner, D., & Haidt, J. (2003). Approaching awe, a moral, spiritual, and aesthetic emotion. Cognition and Emotion, 17(2), 297–314. https://doi.org/10.1080/02699930302297
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. https://doi.org/10.1037/pspi0000018
Sturm, V. E., Willroth, E. C., Mitchell, L., & Shiota, M. N. (2023). Awe and anxiety: An integrative review of the evidence and implications for clinical practice. Frontiers in Psychology, 14, Article 1151682. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1151682
