# Rediscovering Awe: A Call to Reconnect with Our World
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Chapter 1: The Diminishing Sense of Awe
In today's fast-paced world, many individuals are losing their sense of wonder, which is impacting how we treat one another and our surroundings.
Albert Einstein once said, "He who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe is as good as dead; his eyes are closed." My last encounter with profound awe occurred while wandering the serene dunes of Merzouga, Morocco. The desert's vast silence enveloped me, quieting the chaos in my mind as if the bustling room around me had suddenly fallen silent. I was left speechless, humbled, and bewildered. Coming from the lush greenery of the UK, witnessing the earth reduced to mere grains of sand was astonishing.
How did these tiny particles come together to create such majestic dunes? The horizon blended shades of yellow, orange, and beige seamlessly with the soft blue of the sky, which appeared to melt into these gentle hues. The cold air quickly enveloped me, stealing away any last traces of warmth, but my gaze was fixed on the clarity of the stars emerging in the night sky. I felt as though I were part of a living painting, or perhaps a scene from a Disney movie.
In that moment, I felt both insignificant and powerful, as an exhilarating rush of life energy coursed through me. I experienced a profound sense of belonging to the world, something I often struggle to grasp in my daily routine.
Have you ever stopped to consider that a magnificent expanse of glittering stars is always above us? That only a thin veil of gas and vapor separates us from the vast universe?
The Impact of Awe on Our Lives
Defining awe, especially in comparison to other intense emotions like wonder, reverence, and astonishment, is challenging. Although the true essence of awe is rarely discussed, recent studies underscore its significance in our lives.
Research indicates that awe can slow our perception of time, enhancing generosity, kindness, and mental well-being. Those who have experienced awe often report a strong spiritual connection to life and the Earth, leading to a renewed sense of purpose. Furthermore, some studies have linked awe with a decrease in cardiovascular diseases.
What is it about awe that seems to awaken something within us, lifting the heavy shroud of urban numbness that blankets our vision?
So, What Is Awe?
According to the Oxford Dictionary, awe is "a feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder." Yet, I find this definition somewhat difficult to relate to. Here’s my interpretation: Awe arises from encounters with things that, while lacking moral purpose, exist nonetheless. They are extraordinarily beautiful and inexplicably kind. These elements, indifferent to life's meaning, continue to inspire amid adversity. Psychologists Dacher Keltner and Jonathan Haidt suggest that awe emerges when we confront something that challenges our understanding, especially when faced with something so vast that it is almost incomprehensible.
Experiencing awe reconnects you to life, rekindles your dreams, and envelops you in a moment of serene stillness. It reveals an intrinsic beauty in life that transcends comprehension. In these moments, suffering gains meaning and purpose without dominating our thoughts.
The Absence of Awe
If you’ve ever felt that the world around you is artificial, and trying to cultivate positivity feels like a form of self-brainwashing, you may have reached a point where you no longer find anything awe-inspiring in your life. You may feel that nothing is particularly valuable or significant, leading to a loss of curiosity and wonder.
Unfortunately, a significant portion of the population feels this way. Our constant access to information through smart devices has raised our expectations for awe, perhaps to an insatiable level. The western world seems increasingly hard to impress, and our attention spans are dwindling. Life has become monotonous. Overexposure to the familiar has bred indifference. The world is no longer at our feet; it lies in our palms, available at a simple swipe.
Where is the space for exploration, curiosity, and wonder? In an age where knowledge is abundant and experiences are shared instantly, the unknown can paralyze us with anxiety and depression.
The absence of admiration, awe, and curiosity dulls our minds, leading to a blunt outlook on life. While awe inspires action and care, its absence fosters monotony and desensitization. This is where we begin to neglect our responsibilities to ourselves, our peers, and our environment, as everything seems unremarkable.
"The duty of awe — wasn't it? — care?" Rebecca Giggs once proposed.
We Need More Awe
When was the last time you felt truly awestruck? Do you recall the emotions it stirred within you? What did it inspire you to do?
Awe fosters a sense of responsibility as we care about what moves us deeply. For instance, when the Amazon rainforest was ablaze in 2022, many were horrified. The destruction of such a crucial ecosystem is alarming. Yet, there were also those who felt indifferent. You cannot force anyone to care, but for those who have explored the rainforest and listened to its vibrant wildlife, action felt necessary.
Similarly, when the Notre Dame Cathedral tragically caught fire in 2019, outrage erupted, even from those who had never visited. This medieval structure was a marvel of awe-inspiring architecture, cherished for its history and beauty. Thousands traveled to Paris each year to witness its grandeur, and the collective grief over its loss resulted in millions raised for its restoration.
Awe can lead to action and foster long-lasting change. But will the restored Notre Dame maintain its original impact? The awe that one finds in specific experiences or places is often unique and irreplaceable. The value derived from what moves us deeply compels us to protect it.
In her book Fathoms: The World Inside the Whale (which I highly recommend), Rebecca Giggs eloquently suggests that the duty of awe is to care. This concept is beautifully articulated.
Awe restores our connection to the world and the community around us. It prompts deeper reflection on the meaning and consequences of our actions. You may start to wonder, "How is everything so interconnected?" The feelings that evoke your sense of wonder can instill importance and meaning, motivating you to take action. In a society where sensitivity is waning, taking a moment to contemplate a situation can be a significant step forward.
How to Experience More Awe in Your Daily Life
Reintroducing awe into your daily life doesn’t require extravagant adventures or trips to outer space.
Listening to powerful music, observing nature with a fresh perspective, and recognizing the vastness of the world around you can all evoke awe. Consider stargazing, marveling at monumental buildings, admiring intricate architecture, or even watching an inspiring documentary. It’s essential to remember to appreciate both the grand scale and the small details, as everything is interconnected.
While the majesty of the Great Pyramids is undeniably awe-inspiring, true reverence emerges when you contemplate the time and effort invested in perfecting every detail.
During my breathtaking encounter with the sandy dunes, I was overcome with awe at the sheer size of the Earth and its capacity to host so many magnificent landscapes.
Take a moment to acknowledge your surroundings. Reconnect with the world around you. Fall in love with it all over again.
Originally published at http://direndag.com on May 22, 2023.