Do you access awe and wonder in everyday life? How many times do you say 'WOW' everyday? In a world recovering from a pandemic, be a collector of daily 'WOW' moments. Living a life full of awe can increase your wellbeing. An Instagram movement has the whole world trying to capture their 'awe' and 'wonder' moments in a photograph. Experiences of awe can also help us look on the bright side of a dark chaotic situation. Awe and wonder is the secret ingredient of happiness that keeps you childlike.
Do you recall your earliest sense of wonder that came naturally to you as a child? When everything from the stars in the night sky to your doll could fire your imagination? What do you do, to protect that sense of wonder? Authors David P. Fessell and Karen Reivich write in Harvard Business Review, as the pandemic era goes on, we need ways to refresh our energies, calm our anxieties more than ever before. The cultivation of experiences of awe can bring these benefits. The realities and responsibilities of adult life take away our sense of wonder. Recent research shows you can tap into your sense of wonder. As Dacher Keltner, a professor of psychology at the University of California, Berkeley, puts it, 'Don’t underestimate the power of goosebumps.'
Here's how to keep your sense of wonder
1. Cultivate experiences of awe to renew: This is a powerful daily practice to cultivate awe experiences. More moments of wonder keep stress levels down. Says life coach Farzana Suri, 'I had a cousin who at everything that happened to her said, 'Wow!’ And it amazed me because she lived her life like a wondrous soul. She lived the curiosity of an inner child, wowed by all she experienced. Wonder allows you to see the speck you are in the cosmos and all that you feel is so much smaller? So praise and appreciate all with astonishment and appreciation.'
2. Live in the present and find meaning: Being present allows us to be aware of the countless things that bring us wonder in daily living. As kids we were in a constant state of wonder. The triggers of wonder, awe are around us all the time. But are we aware and present? To experience wonder, you need to slow down life, feel the moment, and be patient.
3. Take everyday 'awe walks': A simple and powerful way to experience awe if you can step away from your desk is to take an 'awe walk.' Take twenty minutes to wander and be curious and observe the everyday beauty around you. Record your 'awe' experiences so that you can revisit them and revive happy memories.
4. Experiences of Collective awe: Find out what gives you goosebumps. Several studies have shown that videos can stimulate awe. The harmony and complexity of music can also inspire awe. Create your own personal 'awe playlist' of videos or music. Says author Sudha Menon, 'When you learn new things, travel, have a passion, your sense of wonder remains strong. Every now and then I learn or do something new: from journalism to becoming author to a model and actor, my sense of wonder never ceases Ever seen the look of astonishment and wonder on a child's face when she takes her first step or sees a bird or a butterfly? That is the purest form of wonder. Dew drops on tender green leaves, seeing my little girl grow up into a fine young lady, a rainbow, my books fresh off the press... Keep me wonder!'
5. Change your lenses: We refer to the 'sense of wonder' because the senses play such a vital role. Change how you view the world, and you will find new experiences. Break-free from routines and habits, break your patterns. Be in a state of constant surprise. Listen to 'awe' inspiring stories, be a storyteller of awe moments and inspire others. Arrange an opportunity to exchange awe stories in a group, or at a dinner party.
6. Be a collector of 'WOW' moments: This is about turning everyday experiences into something great, which makes you go 'wow'. You live a life of extraordinary events. A wow moment is what we expect in a situation and elevates it to the unexpected. A 'Wow' moment provides an unanticipated spark.
7. Appreciate Everything: Learn to value and appreciate people and things. When you appreciate others and compliment them, you are giving a gift of wonder to others.