AWE

Written By Duane Nelson


2 IDEAS FROM ME

  • Scheduling time each day to experience awe in nature connects us with the the wonder and beauty of the universe, interconnectedness of life, and peace within.

  • Marveling at mountains, ancient trees, oceanic currents, and cloud patterns, breaks us from self-centered concerns, uplifts our spirits, and fills our hearts with gratitude which nurtures our well-being and joy.

2 QUOTES FROM SAGES

  • “Eight Reasons Why Awe Makes Your Life Better” - Summer Allen 2018-09-26, Greater Good Science Center - UC Berkeley

    • Awe may improve mood and life satisfaction.

    • Awe may improve health by lowering inflammation markers such as Interleukin-6.

    • Awe may help you think more critically and improve learning.

    • Awe may decrease materialism.

    • Awe may improve your perspective of reality and increase humility.

    • Awe-eliciting experiences might offer one effective way of alleviating the feeling of time starvation that plagues so many people in modern life.

    • Awe may increase generosity and cooperation.

    • Awe can make you feel more connected to other people and humanity.

  • “Awe is the feeling of being in the presence of something vast that transcends your current understanding of the world.”—Dacher Keltner

1 QUESTION FOR YOU TO EXPLORE

  • What’s the most meaningful way for you to experience awe on a regular basis?

    • Here are five powerful ways to bring more awe into your daily life:

    • 1. Spend Time in Nature: Regularly immerse yourself in nature, whether it’s hiking, stargazing, or visiting local parks. Nature’s vastness and beauty provide an endless source of awe and perspective.

    • 2. Seek New Experiences: Challenge yourself to try something unfamiliar—explore a new hobby, visit a museum, or attend a cultural event. Novelty sparks wonder and curiosity.

    • 3. Practice Mindful Observation: Slow down and notice the small, extraordinary details around you—a flower’s delicate petals, the colors of a sunset, or intricate patterns in everyday objects.

    • 4. Engage with Art and Music: Attend live performances, visit galleries, or listen deeply to moving music. Art opens us to beauty and emotions that are both universal and personal.

    • 5. Connect with Others’ Stories: Listen to inspiring stories from people around you. Whether through books, podcasts, or conversations, learning about others’ lives fosters empathy, insight, and appreciation for the richness of the human experience.

      Integrating these practices brings a steady sense of awe and wonder into everyday life, transforming routine moments into uplifting experiences.

Namaste,

Duane Nelson

Duane Nelson

Ultrajourney Insight is an Anacortes Washington-based non-profit organization providing mindfulness & well-being services designed to ignite the adventure of a lifetime. The founder, Duane Nelson, is a writer, speaker, and teacher with four decades of parenting, wilderness, & international technology leadership. His professional insights come from chemical engineering and automation leadership at Philips, Intel, and Amazon. His adventure insights flow from ultramarathons, mountaineering, canyoneering, and adventure racing in Nepal, Alaska, Colorado, Washington, Oregon, Hawaii, Mexico, British Columbia and Alberta.

https://ultrajourneyinsight.org
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