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Unlock the Power of Awe (and Why It Matters)
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Awe isn’t just a feeling. It’s a force. A few years ago, I made the decision to cultivate awe as a personal mission. It began when I first watched The Greatest Showman. There’s a scene in which Hugh Jackman’s character is watching Jenny Lind sing Never Enough. The song itself is stunning, but it’s his reaction that gets me. Watching her perform from offstage, he is visibly moved, jaw-dropped, mesmerized, completely undone. I’ve watched that clip more times than I can count, and each time I am moved to tears and covered in goosebumps. I thought long & hard about what was so moving for me about watching him watching her. Eventually, I figured it out: I was captivated by his awe. Having experienced awe myself, without having the word, I knew what it felt like and I wanted more. Since then, I’ve been chasing that feeling, not by accident, but by design. For me, awe is primarily found in three places:
I’ve experienced it in:
Each of these moments brings me back into alignment — like the chain of my bike settling into a new gear, smooth, certain, dialed in, ready for a climb. And I know I’m not the only one who needs that kind of recalibration. We all need moments that remind us what it feels like to be fully present, deeply moved and awake to the wonder of the world around us. That’s the gift of awe. It returns us to that place. So what actually is Awe? According to psychologist Dacher Keltner, awe is “the feeling of being in the presence of something vast that transcends your current understanding of the world” Brené Brown sharpens the focus in Atlas of the Heart. She writes that while wonder invites us to lean in with curiosity, awe stops us in our tracks. Wonder wants to learn. Awe lets us feel, without needing to explain. Both matter. But awe, in particular, stirs us in ways that other emotions often can’t. Why Awe matters The science is clear: awe isn’t just a powerful emotion, it’s a catalyst for clarity and connection. A mind-body recalibration tool hiding in plain sight, if only we seek it out. When we experience awe, our sense of self shrinks, in a good way. Keltner calls this the “small self” effect. Our attention shifts away from rumination & self-focus and expands toward something bigger than us. That quieting of the ego has measurable effects on both our mental and physical well-being. Keltner’s research shows that awe can:
And maybe most importantly, awe gets us out of our own heads. It increases presence, quiets our inner critics and reconnects us to something greater. It’s like a deep breath for your soul. How to cultivate AweAwe is often associated with life-altering events, but you don’t have to wait for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You can create the conditions for awe intentionally. Here are three ways to do it: 1. Pursue NoveltyAwe thrives on unfamiliarity. Novelty disrupts neural patterns, supports neuroplasticity and improves cognitive flexibility. When we do something new, it wakes up our brain, activating regions tied to memory, emotion and attention and priming us to notice more intentionally and feel more deeply. It helps us notice again, which deepens attunement and opens the door for awe. What to do:
Your brain—and spirit—will thank you. 2. Zoom OutAwe abounds in vastness. The wider the view, the quieter the noise. Vastness reminds us that we are one small part of something enormous. That shift reduces self-focus, increases feelings of connection and recalibrates our sense of time & perspective. Vastness helps us feel both humbled and held. What to do:
When you widen your frame, you invite awe in. 3. Bear WitnessSometimes, the most awe-inspiring moments come from watching someone else be extraordinary. Watching someone else in a moment of mastery or passion can spark awe through what researchers call “moral beauty,” a sense of admiration for human excellence, kindness or courage. Keltner identifies this as one of the most frequent and accessible awe triggers. When we witness others in their element, it reminds us of what humans are capable of and reconnects us to our shared humanity. What to do:
host a “show your work” moment in your family, team, or community.
anything where someone is sharing their skill or passion live.
you’ll often be awed by their insights, effort or courage.
watch a TED Talk, replay an Olympic routine, or revisit a moment that once moved you deeply. Awe doesn’t just show up. We can set the stage for it. When we hold space for others to shine, we get to witness what’s possible. And in that space, awe finds us. Awe Is a Design Decision I want more awe in my life and I’m designing for it, actively seeking it. Not just by chasing the grand stuff (though yes, it is one of my life goals to ride a bike in every National Park that allows it), but by making space for the small everyday moments that can spark something big. Because awe isn’t rare, it’s just quiet. And most days, we’re moving too fast to hear it. I choose to live in a way that leaves room to be moved, to say yes to goosebumps, to tears, to that unmistakable moment when something bigger, bolder and more beautiful comes into view, immersing me in a sense of smallness that connects me to the vastness. And here’s your invitation to do the same. Start looking for it. Make a little room. Build a life that lets awe show up and lets you hold space for it. What’s something that’s stirred awe in you lately? And what will you do to tap back into that feeling? Hit reply, I’d genuinely love to hear. And if you know someone else that could use a little awe (hint: everyone), feel free to forward this issue. xx, Nicole |
Time by Design
Are you juggling multiple non-negotiable roles (parent, founder, exec, caretaker, all the above)? Trying to "balance" and feel like you’re failing at everything? Ready to break the patterns that are keeping you stuck? Subscribe for head-led, heart-centered strategies to step out of survival mode and embrace a new Operating System for Intentional Living. Actionable strategies drop Sunday mornings. What to try. Why it Works. For When it Matters.
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